Demographic and Anthropometric Characteristics of Infertile Women Registered in the Infertility Registry of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Iran, 2021-2024; [یاهیگژیوکیفارگومدیاهمناخرورابانهدشتبثردهناماس یرتسیجرناتسرامیبمامایراسردیاهلاس0011-0011]



Zamanian M ; Payvandi S ; Jelodar SM ; Hojjat SH ; Monfared EH ; Kazemi K
Source: Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Published:2026

Abstract

Background and purpose: Infertility is a major reproductive health concern with wide-ranging social and health consequences. In recent years, increasing age at marriage, rising obesity rates, and lifestyle changes have been identified as key factors contributing to the growing prevalence of infertility in Iran. This study aimed to examine demographic characteristics, anthropometric indicators, and associated factors among women with infertility referred to the infertility centre of Imam Hospital in Sari between 2021 and 2024, using registry system data. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 906 women who met the inclusion criteria and were registered in the infertility registry system. Data extracted from the registry included demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, clinical history, and husbands’ lifestyle-related habits. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and associations were assessed using the chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of women and their husbands was 34.9 ± 5.8 and 38.4 ± 6.2 years, respectively. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI ≥25) was observed in 69% of women, with a mean BMI of 28.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2. Primary infertility was reported in 59.7% of cases and secondary infertility in 40.3%. The mean duration of infertility was 4.2 ± 2.1 years. A history of relevant surgery was reported by 58.3% of women, and 59.1% had a family history of diabetes. In addition, 50.6% of husbands reported lifestyle-related habits. No statistically significant association was found between the type of infertility and BMI (p = 0.31), although a higher tendency toward obesity was observed among women with secondary infertility. Conclusion: These findings indicate that demographic and metabolic factors play a role in infertility among women in northern Iran. Considering the high prevalence of overweight and unhealthy habits among couples, preventive programs focusing on lifestyle modification, weight management, and early metabolic screening are recommended. © 2026, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.