Analysis of risk association characteristics and protective factors of anxiety and depression comorbidity in infertility patients-data mining research based on Apriori association rules

Objective: To explore potential association rules of anxiety-depression comorbidity in infertility patients, providing a reference for developing management strategies. Methods: In this study, using convenience sampling, we enrolled 194 infertility patients who were treated at Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Reproductive Centre between May and September 2025. Subsequently, the Apriori algorithm was applied to analyse variables associated with anxiety-depression comorbidity events. Results: In total, eleven association rules for anxiety-depression comorbidity in infertility patients were identified, encompassing various combinations of variables, including mild anxiety and urban residence, aged 31 - 40 years, with a history of miscarriage, holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Conclusion During infertility treatment, healthcare professionals should give priority to patients' mental health, paying special attention to the risk of anxiety-depression comorbidity in individuals showing the aforementioned association rules and strengthening psychological management for these patients.