Chapter 3: The Sociocultural Aspects of Infertility in African Countries: A Scoping Review

Infertility is a major public health concern affecting couples of reproductive ages globally, with significant sociocultural consequences. This study utilized a scoping review to explore sociocultural aspects of infertility in the African context, covering both male and female infertility studies published between 2000 and 2025. The review aimed to identify key themes and gaps in existing literature, providing a comprehensive overview of infertility’s impact on individuals and families. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework, 55 studies were reviewed, highlighting complex relationships between infertility, cultural beliefs, and social dynamics. The findings reveal critical insights into stigma, marital challenges, and available support systems for those affected. The review underscores the need for evidence-based policies and interventions tailored to the unique sociocultural realities in African settings. A systematic search was conducted across databases including Medline, PubMed, EBSCOhost, Health Source, Google Scholar, and Link to the site. Both qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed studies were included, with selection criteria focused on sociocultural perspectives of male and female infertility in Africa. Keywords related to infertility, sociocultural impacts, and demographic factors guided the search. This review maps the existing body of literature on infertility’s sociocultural implications, identifies knowledge gaps, and informs future research directions. The synthesis of diverse studies aims to support healthcare professionals and policymakers in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by infertile individuals. As infertility remains a stigmatized issue in many African societies, understanding its psychosocial impacts is crucial to developing effective support systems and responsive healthcare policies that recognize infertility’s complexities.