TY - JOUR
TI - The impact of the economic recession in greece on assisted reproduction demand: A retrospective longitudinal study
AU - Sfakianoudis, K.
AU - Simopoulou, M.
AU - Rapani, A.
AU - Grigoriadis, S.
AU - Maziotis, E.
AU - Giannelou, P.
AU - Pantou, A.
AU - Vaxevanoglou, T.
AU - Fakiridou, M.
AU - Koutsilieris, M.
AU - Pantos, K.
JO - MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
PY - 2019
VL - 55
TODO - 10
SP - null
PB - MDPI AG
SN - null
TODO - 10.3390/medicina55100654
TODO - adult;  economic recession;  economics;  female;  female infertility;  Greece;  human;  in vitro fertilization;  longitudinal study;  pregnancy;  retrospective study, Adult;  Economic Recession;  Female;  Fertilization in Vitro;  Greece;  Humans;  Infertility, Female;  Longitudinal Studies;  Pregnancy;  Retrospective Studies
TODO - Background and objectives: Since 2009, the decline of the Greek economy has been in the spotlight of the world’s financial agenda. This study assesses the economic crisis’ impact on assisted reproduction demand dynamics. Materials and Methods: Patient records were recruited between 2005-2017. In 2013 the clinic proceeded with a cost reduction. The studied time-frames were defined accordingly: Period A: Prior to economic crisis, Period B: During the economic crisis-prior to cost reduction, and Period C: During the economic crisis-following cost reduction. Analysis focused on parameters reflecting on patient characteristics, decision to inquire on IVF treatment, embarking on it, and proceeding with multiple cycles. Results: The mean annual number of first visit patients was significantly decreased during Period B (1467.00 ± 119.21) in comparison to period A (1644.40 ± 42.57) and C (1637.8 ± 77.23). Furthermore, Period C in comparison to B and A, refers to women of more advanced age (37.27 ± 5.62 vs 36.04 ± 5.76 vs 35.53 ± 5.28), reporting a longer infertility period (8.49 ± 6.25 vs 7.01 ± 5.66 vs 6.46 ± 5.20), being inclined to abandon IVF treatment sooner (2.78 ± 2.51 vs 2.60 ± 1.92 vs 4.91 ± 2.28). Conclusions: A decline regarding assisted reproduction techniques (ART) demand was noted as anticipated. Redefining the cost of infertility treatments may contribute towards overcoming the troubling phenomenon of postponing pregnancy due to financial concerns. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
ER -