Screening on distress in fertility treatment (SCREENIVF): A systematic review

Abstract

Objective

In recent years, several questionnaires have been developed to assess the quality of life of patients involved in assisted reproductive treatments, the degree of patient engagement and the outcome of assisted reproductive efforts. This review aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SCREENIVF questionnaire.

Methods

Studies were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, Epistemonikos.org, and PROSPERO up to July 2024. The search resulted in 66 studies, eight of which were eligible to be included in the systematic review. COSMIN guidelines were used for methodological quality assessment of studies and measurement property evaluation. The strength of evidence was rated according to the GRADE approach.

Results

SCREENIVF was categorized as stage A for “internal consistency” (Cronbach’s >0.7), “structural validity”, “discriminant” and “convergent” validity. Reliability was categorized as stage A in couples [ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) >0.7], while its use exclusively in women is contraindicated. Concerning “cross-cultural validity” and “criterion validity”, it was categorized as stage B and is recommended for use when no stage A questionnaires are available. Cross-cultural validity was deemed questionable as none of the studies performed Differential Item Functioning Analyses [DIF].

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the importance of adopting standardized procedures for assessing the psychometric properties of questionnaires used in assisted reproduction.