U.S. Women's Knowledge of Reproductive Biology.

Abstract

Having accurate knowledge of reproductive biology can help women to improve their general, sexual, and reproductive health and assert their sexual and reproductive rights. This cross-sectional study examined knowledge of three topics (age-related fertility decline, egg supply, fertile period) among a national probability sample of 1,779 nonsterilized, English-speaking women (aged 18-29years) in the U.S. general population. Using bivariate and multivariable regressions, we assessed associations between knowledge of these topics and individual characteristics. Most respondents were unmarried (63%), childless (78%), and intended to have children (65%); 51% did not know whether they would have difficulty conceiving, and 44% had discussed fertility-related topics with a health care provider. More respondents knew the age of marked fertility decline (62%) than the fertile period (59%) or that ovaries do not continuously produce new eggs (45%); 22% knew all three topics, and 13% knew none. In multivariable analysis, knowledge was positively associated (p<.001) with education, income, and having regular periods. Black and Asian respondents and those for whom religion was very important were less likely (all p values<.01) than White and nonreligious respondents to know all three topics. Knowledge was unrelated to relationship status, parity, childbearing intentions, receipt of fertility-related counseling or services, self-perceived infertility risk, or health status; the relationship with Hispanic ethnicity approached but did not reach significance (p=.08). Young U.S. women have incomplete knowledge of aspects of their reproductive biology; these knowledge gaps could increase their risk of adverse health and reproductive outcomes. Policy-, provider-, and client-level interventions are warranted to address these knowledge gaps.