ArticleHuman reproduction open2018
Promoting healthy lifestyle in fertility clinics; an Australian perspective.
Article in Human reproduction open, 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 10 citations in OpenAlex.
- Barriers and enablers to a healthy lifestyle in people with infertility: a mixed-methods systematic review.Human reproduction update · 2024Pooled it
- Preconception lifestyle advice for people with infertility.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2021Pooled it
- Use and User Experience of a Preconception Lifestyle App for Couples Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization: Mixed Methods Study.JMIR human factors · 2025Article
- Belgian Fertility Clinic Staff Value Healthy Lifestyle Promotion but Lack Access to a Structured Lifestyle Modification Programme: An Observational Study.Gynecologic and obstetric investigation · 2023Observational
- A blended preconception lifestyle programme for couples undergoing IVF: lessons learned from a multicentre randomized controlled trial.Human reproduction open · 2023Article
- Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lifestyles and Quality of Life of Women With Fertility Problems: A Cross-Sectional Study.Frontiers in public health · 2021Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
3 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
study questionAre Australian fertility clinics adequately addressing unhealthy lifestyle in patients seeking fertility treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER: This study has highlighted deficiencies in practices and education around managing patients with unhealthy lifestyle undergoing fertility treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The association between lifestyle and fertility is well documented, with obesity and smoking being of particular concern to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Guidelines recommend that unhealthy lifestyle is addressed prior to conception, yet anecdotal experience suggests this is not being addressed. Lifestyle modification programmes can be effective in improving pregnancy rates and outcomes, however, recruitment to such programmes can be challenging. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: A cohort study of Australian fertility clinics' attitudes and practices regarding lifestyle modification to augment reproductive treatment outcomes was conducted between August and October 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING
methodAn online survey was administered to senior fertility nurses, from all registered fertility clinics in Australia. Data were collated and subjected to a univariate data analysis, where frequency tables were produced for each question. A separate qualitative analysis was undertaken of data from open ended questions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Fifty-three out of 85 potential respondents (62.4%), all from different clincis, completed the survey, with almost all acknowledging the importance of addressing unhealthy lifestyle before offering ART treatment. However, most clinics did not offer internal resources to assist with lifestyle modification. Whilst the promotion of healthy lifestyle was recognised as a key component of the role of a fertility nurse, participants did not feel that nurses were best equipped to provide lifestyle modification programmes, owing to a lack of resources and specific skills in this area. Suggested areas for improved practice included prioritising general health prior to offering treatment, and further utilising and upskilling nurses to assist with lifestyle modification programmes. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: The survey was completed by only one nurse from each clinic and as such may not be entirely representative of all clinic practices. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE
findingsFertility clinics are likely to see an increasing number of patients with unhealthy lifestyle, resulting in health concerns such as obesity. The results of this study provide an insight into how unhealthy lifestyle is currently being addressed in fertility clinics and suggested areas that could be targeted for improving practice and outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No conflict of interest to declare. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NA.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.