Effects of Social Support and Self-regulation on Changes in Exercise Behavior Among Infertile Women: A Cross-sectional Study for Comparison of External and Internal Factors

Background: Exercise behavior (EB) has a significant impact on infertility, but the magnitude of the effect is not easily determined. This study aimed to assess the effect of social support and self-regulation, as external and internal factors, on changes in EB among infertile women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۴۸۳ infertile women in Sanandaj (Iran) in ۲۰۲۰. Samples were recruited from ۳۵ comprehensive healthcare centers by convenience sampling. Standardized face-to-face interviews were conducted using valid and reliable instruments for the assessment of EB, social support, and self-regulation. The association between EB, social support, and self-regulation was evaluated by logistic regression models. Results: The majority of the participants (۵۶.۷%) had secondary infertility, while ۷۰.۸% of them did not perform any exercise. Self-regulation and social support were significantly higher in women with secondary infertility than in those with primary infertility (P<۰.۰۱). Self-regulation was significantly lower in women whose height was below ۱۶۰ centimeters (P<۰.۰۵). Social support was significantly higher among participants aged≥۳۵ years and weighing≥۶۰ kg (P<۰.۰۱). The odds of EB adoption increased with self-regulation and social support (odds ratio [OR]=۱.۰۵, ۹۵% CI=۱.۰۲-۱.۰۹, P<۰.۰۱; OR=۱.۰۶, ۹۵% CI=۱.۰۲-۱.۱۱, P<۰.۰۱). Conclusion: Social support and self-regulation almost equally influenced EB in infertile women. In future research, designing support and consultation programs can be considered to encourage infertile women to exercise.