2020-2024년 광주광역시 한방난임치료비 지원사업의 임상 성과 및 운영 평가

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the five-year performance of the Gwangju Korean Medicine Infertility Support Project, focusing on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and perceptions. Methods: From 2020 to 2024, a total of 350 women and 79 men participated in the project. All participants received Korean medicine-based infertility treatment, which consisted of a 3-month intensive phase, a 3-month maintenance phase and subsequent follow-up. Data were collected on general characteristics, infertility-related factors, and treatment details. Clinical outcomes were assessed using pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and pregnancy maintenance rate, along with a satisfaction survey. Statistical analyses were performed to examine associations between clinical variables and pregnancy outcomes. Results: The overall treatment completion rate was 92.5% (397/429). Among female participants, 81 achieved pregnancy, yielding a pregnancy rate of 23.1%. The live birth rate among those who conceived (based on four-year data) was 72.8%. Pregnancy outcomes were significantly associated with age, duration of infertility, and number of prior in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts. Satisfaction scores were high (average>4.5), particularly for herbal medicine and the treatment process. Most participants expressed willingness to participate again or recommend the program, and 98.9% supported continued public funding for Korean medicine-based infertility care. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Gwangju Korean Medicine Infertility Support Project conducted over five years. The findings, including identified limitations and policy implications, offer empirical evidence to support the institutionalization of similar programs and their integration into national infertility support policies.