ABSTRACT Background and Aims Infertility is recognized as one of the major stressors in life, with health, psychological, social, and cultural consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between infertility‐related stress and awareness and follow‐up of receiving benefits from the “Support for the Family and Youth of the Population “ law among infertile couples in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Methods This cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted in the city of Tabriz during the years 2023–2024. The participants were Iranian infertile couples of reproductive age (15–50 years) who had visited healthcare centers providing infertility services in East Azerbaijan Province. Data were collected using the Newton Infertility Stress/Problems Questionnaire and a researcher‐made questionnaire assessing awareness, perceived importance, and follow‐up of facilities related to the ‘Family Support and Youthful Population Law.’ SPSS version 16 and STATA version 17 software were used to analyze the data. Results This study included 396 participants (response rate: 94.2%). The total infertility stress score averaged 169.78, indicating a relatively high level of stress among infertile couples. Correlation analysis revealed that infertility stress was significantly associated with all examined variables except age and duration of marriage. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the strongest correlations were observed with sexual concerns ( r = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.69–0.78, p < 0.01) and relationship concerns ( r = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.68–0.77, p < 0.01). Additionally, age showed a significant association with awareness and follow‐up ( r = 0.14). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis identified the strongest predictors of infertility stress as, in descending order: the need for parenthood (B = 2.579), relational concerns (B = 1.464), and social concerns (B = 1.254). Conclusion The findings suggest that while increased awareness, perceived importance, and pursuit of supportive facilities might ostensibly reduce stress, in practice, they are paradoxically associated with higher stress levels, which may be related to unrealistic expectations and bureaucratic barriers. This finding underscores the necessity for a fundamental revision of supportive policies and their implementation strategies.
Azami‐Aghdash et al. (Wed,) studied this question.