Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance Database
Abstract Background Approximately one in six people is experiencing infertility at some point in their lives. In response, health insurance coverage for infertility treatments has been strengthened. However, studies examining lifestyle factors that affect infertility remain lacking, highlighting the...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Reproductive Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-02030-0 |
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| author | Boyoung Jeon Taeuk Kang Sung Wook Choi |
| author_facet | Boyoung Jeon Taeuk Kang Sung Wook Choi |
| author_sort | Boyoung Jeon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Approximately one in six people is experiencing infertility at some point in their lives. In response, health insurance coverage for infertility treatments has been strengthened. However, studies examining lifestyle factors that affect infertility remain lacking, highlighting the need to generate objective evidence to address infertility issues using national-level datasets. Methods The General Healthcare Screening Program dataset from National Health Insurance Service database was employed in this study to examine infertility and childbirth among women aged 22–49 years. In 2020, 25,333 women with infertility and 73,759 women who had given birth were initially identified. After applying propensity score matching for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and income level, the final study population included 24,325 women with infertility and 24,325 women who with childbirth. Employing a case–control study design, lifestyle factors (drinking, smoking, and physical activity) and health checkup outcomes (underweight, overweight, hypertension, diabetes, kidney function, anemia, and menstrual disorders) were assessed in this study. Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results This study revealed significant risk factors for infertility: two high-risk lifestyle factors, including heavy drinking and smoking, and five health conditions, comprising underweight, hypertension, diabetes, kidney function loss, and menstrual disorders. Conversely, being overweight, not engaging in vigorous physical activity, and anemia were negatively associated with infertility. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for lifestyle modifications and personalized preconception care to improve fertility outcomes. Trial registration Not available. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e81490040d384f57a4dc0bdbf54d57d3 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1742-4755 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Reproductive Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-e81490040d384f57a4dc0bdbf54d57d32025-08-20T03:08:25ZengBMCReproductive Health1742-47552025-05-0122111010.1186/s12978-025-02030-0Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance DatabaseBoyoung Jeon0Taeuk Kang1Sung Wook Choi2Department of Health and Medical Information, Myongji CollegeSchool of Bio-Health Convergence, College of Natural Sciences, Sungshin Women’s University Woonjung Green CampusM Fertility CenterAbstract Background Approximately one in six people is experiencing infertility at some point in their lives. In response, health insurance coverage for infertility treatments has been strengthened. However, studies examining lifestyle factors that affect infertility remain lacking, highlighting the need to generate objective evidence to address infertility issues using national-level datasets. Methods The General Healthcare Screening Program dataset from National Health Insurance Service database was employed in this study to examine infertility and childbirth among women aged 22–49 years. In 2020, 25,333 women with infertility and 73,759 women who had given birth were initially identified. After applying propensity score matching for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and income level, the final study population included 24,325 women with infertility and 24,325 women who with childbirth. Employing a case–control study design, lifestyle factors (drinking, smoking, and physical activity) and health checkup outcomes (underweight, overweight, hypertension, diabetes, kidney function, anemia, and menstrual disorders) were assessed in this study. Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results This study revealed significant risk factors for infertility: two high-risk lifestyle factors, including heavy drinking and smoking, and five health conditions, comprising underweight, hypertension, diabetes, kidney function loss, and menstrual disorders. Conversely, being overweight, not engaging in vigorous physical activity, and anemia were negatively associated with infertility. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for lifestyle modifications and personalized preconception care to improve fertility outcomes. Trial registration Not available.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-02030-0InfertilityChildbirthLifestyleHealth checkupCase–control study |
| spellingShingle | Boyoung Jeon Taeuk Kang Sung Wook Choi Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance Database Reproductive Health Infertility Childbirth Lifestyle Health checkup Case–control study |
| title | Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance Database |
| title_full | Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance Database |
| title_fullStr | Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance Database |
| title_full_unstemmed | Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance Database |
| title_short | Lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women: A case-control study using National Health Insurance Database |
| title_sort | lifestyle factors and health outcomes associated with infertility in women a case control study using national health insurance database |
| topic | Infertility Childbirth Lifestyle Health checkup Case–control study |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-02030-0 |
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