Awareness of infertility amongst women of reproductive age in southern Nigerian study

Abstract

Infertility is a medical and social problem which poses a serious public health problem worldwide. Women of reproductive age with infertility have social and psychological distress due to inability to achieve social role of motherhood.The rate of infertility in Africa was documented to be between the range of 8.6 to 21.5%. Aim: To determine the awareness ofinfertility amongst women of reproductive age in Rivers State Nigeria. Method: It was a cross sectional study of women of reproductive age who attended enlightenment campaign by the Mother and Baby Care Global Foundation. Information were coded and analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: Two hundred and fifty (250) subjects were enrolled for the study. The mean age was 24 ± 4 years. One hundred and fifteen (46%) were between ages 20 – 29 years, 30 – 39 years represented 85 (34%) of the, respondents 50 (20%) were between ages 40 – 49years. The respondents aware of infertility were 113 (45%). The educational status of the respondents were made up of tertiary and secondary levels of education 200 (80%) and 50 (20%) respectively. The highest level of awareness infertility was amongst women between ages 20 t0 29 years represented by 66 (26.3%) respondents. Conclusion: The study showed the level of awarenessinfertility among women of reproductive age as 45%. This was below average. Awareness campaign on infertility should be carried out by the government and non-governmental organisations on infertility and its impact on reproductive health especially as it affects the mental, physical, emotional and financial aspects of couples.