Media

HKU to release research findings on anxiety and depression levels of women undertaking test-tube baby treatment and
new “Body-Mind Wellness Intervention Program” for women undertaking the treatment

29 Apr 2016

In vitro fertilization (IVF) (so-called test-tube babies) is one of the most popular assisted reproductive technologies around the globe. IVF is a physically and emotionally demanding process, the stress level of women undergoing IVF rises to the peak during the two-week waiting period between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test. With no treatment-related activities, women often feel helpless and loss of control.

According to a longitudinal study conducted between 2013 and 2015 by the Department of Social Work and Social Administration and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the University of Hong Kong, of the 151 women who failed their unsuccessful IVF cycles, some of them reported symptoms of anxiety and depression.

To cater for the emotional needs of women undergoing IVF cycle, the two departments have developed a self-help “Body-Mind Wellness Intervention Program”. It is a combination of a workshop and a self-administerd body-mind wellness package delivered by a professional team consisting of registered social workers and infertility counsellors. Earlier programmes demonstrated encouraging results showing a significant decrease in the anxiety level of the participants.

A press conference will be held on May 3 (Tuesday) to announce the details of a new round of “Body-Mind Wellness Intervention Program” and to release research findings of the longitudinal study. The latest trend and figures of IVF will also be announced.

A participant of the Body-Mind Wellness Intervention Program will present to share her experience.  

The details of the press conference as follows:
Date: May 3, 2016 (Tuesday)
Time: 10:30 am
Venue: Social Sciences Chamber, 11/F, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Speakers:

• Dr Celia Chan Hoi-Yan Celia, Assistant Professor of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, HKU
• Professor Ernest Ng Hung-Yu, Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, HKU
• Case sharing

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Melanie Wan, Senior Manager (Media), Tel: 2859 2600/Email: melwkwan@hku.hk, Communications & Public Affairs Office, HKU.