In vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Patients with Alexithymia and Its Influencing Factors: A Potential Profile Analysis.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the classification characteristics of alexithymia in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and analyze the differences among these classifications in female patients, in order to alleviate the patients' alexithymia and improve their mental health and reproductive quality of life. Methods: A total of 385 patients undergoing IVF-ET were selected through convenience sampling from the Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic of a Grade III A-level obstetrics and gynecology hospital in mainland China between June 2024 and December 2024. Data collection included the general information survey form, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the General Self-efficacy Scale. Latent profile analysis was used to explore the potential categories of alexithymia among patients receiving IVF-ET treatment. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors correlated with the potential profiles. Results: The alexithymia in patients receiving IVF-ET treatment was categorized into three potential groups: low-risk (48.0%), moderate-risk (46.0%), and high-risk alexithymia groups (6.0%). Multiple logistic regression analysis results indicated that educational level, average monthly household income, and self-efficacy are correlated with alexithymia in patients receiving IVF-ET treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The alexithymia in patients receiving IVF-ET treatment can be categorized into three potential profile types. The clinical medical staff should consider the characteristics of patients and implement targeted interventions for those with lower levels of education, lower average monthly household income, and poorer self-efficacy, in order to reduce the degree of alexithymia.