Impact of infertility on marital stability among Ghanaian women : a systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Childbearing holds profound social and personal significance for many Ghanaian married women. An inability to conceive threatens both the psychological well-being and marital stability, often generating tension, distress, bitterness, pain and relational strain within the home. This study, therefore, aims to answer the research question: What is the impact of infertility on marital stability among Ghanaian women? OBJECTIVE : To explore the impact of infertility on marital stability. METHOD : Articles published globally, specifically in Ghana, between January 2018 and January 2025 that explored the impact of infertility on marital stability among women were retrieved from scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, ProQuest and ScienceDirect). The used keywords included “Impact, Infertility, and Marital stability”. A total of 52 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed after data extraction was performed using the PRISMA (2018) guideline. RESULTS : A total of 52 studies were included, of which 38 studies (75%) reported significant marital instability, including destabilising homes, diminishing the quality of marital relationships and reducing partner interaction, ultimately contributing to marital instability, separation and divorce. Most studies were of moderate methodological quality, with common limitations related to sample sizes and theoretical frameworks. CONCLUSION : Infertility exerts profound psychosocial effects on marital stability, particularly for women, who are often exposed to verbal and physical abuse, threats from spouses and in-laws and, in severe cases, abandonment. Greater awareness of how infertility affects marital stability can guide community programmes that address cultural pressures around childbearing and support national reproductive health policies that integrate psychosocial care for women. These findings underscore the need for integrating psychosocial and marital counselling into infertility care and for policies that promote holistic, couple-centred reproductive health services.