Fertility Knowledge Research Articles

Fertility knowledge, childbearing intentions and attitudes towards social egg freezing: A study of female students of a private university in Kumasi, Ghana.

As women increasingly delay childbearing for educational and career pursuits, understanding the age-related decline in ovarian reserve becomes crucial to avoid infertility. Egg freezing offers a solution, extending the window for achieving pregnancy with a biological child. However, awareness and acceptance of age-related fertility decline and elective egg freezing vary across countries and social groups. This descriptive cross-sectional study investigates fertility awareness, childbearing intentions, and attitudes toward elective egg freezing among 138 undergraduate female students at a private university in Kumasi, Ghana. Data were collected via a Google App-based questionnaire. The majority of respondents were below 28 years old (76.3%), Christians (79.26%), and single (57. 78%). Many respondents overestimated their knowledge of age-related fertility decline, with almost half (48.89%) incorrectly believing it occurs after age 40. Primary sources of fertility education included health professionals, the Internet, and television. While most (62.96%) considered childbearing necessary, they would not have a child without a partner. Acceptance of donor egg in vitro fertilisation (IVF) varied based on circumstances, and a significant portion was open to donating their eggs (41.48%). Awareness of elective egg freezing was low, but nearly half (48.89%) expressed interest in it, primarily to retain the option for a biological child. The cost of elective egg freezing was a significant deterrent. The study revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding age-related fertility decline and elective egg freezing among female university students in Kumasi. Most prefer having a biological child only with a partner. While few were open to donating their eggs or accepting the same to achieve a pregnancy, interest in elective egg freezing was notable, albeit hindered by cost. The study recommends enhanced education by health professionals using social media and television to address these gaps.

Assessing Student and Physician Fertility Awareness Utilizing the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS).

Medical trainees are delaying childbearing due to competing demands of career, financial constraints, and limited parental leave. Delaying childbearing increases the risk of obstetric complications, with up to one-quarter of female physicians facing infertility. Education on family planning and fertility is rarely discussed among medical trainees, and research on medical trainees' knowledge of fertility and infertility is minimal. Subjects included medical students, residents, fellows, and attendings assigned female at birth. The distributed survey included the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS) instrument to assess for fertility and infertility knowledge. Outcome measures include participant age, stage of training, parity, specialty, and FIT-KS. Of the 291 participants included in the final analysis, participants scored an average of 20/29 (69%) on the FIT-KS. Around 44.8% (n=130) of participants overestimated the fecundability of a 30-year-old woman, and 36.9% (n=107) underestimated the chance of miscarriage in peak reproductive years. Five out of eight questions pertaining to infertility treatment had a <50% correct response rate. About 76.6% (n=216) of participants underestimated in vitro fertilization (IVF) success for a woman <35 years old, and 56% (n=158) overestimated the success of IVF for a woman >44 years old. Around 43.6% (n=123) of participants overestimated the average cost of IVF. Of the main outcome measures, only those participants representing obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) performed better on average than all other specialties (FIT-KS=21.7 vs. 19.5). Participants overestimated fecundity with increasing age and had insufficient knowledge of infertility treatment success. More awareness and early discussion about family planning and fertility goals are needed in medical training.

Women's knowledge of procreative health

Backround: A unique type of health is reproductive health, which represents the entirety of a person’s physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or disorder. Reproductive health refers to all issues related to the reproductive system and procreation of women and men in all phases of their lives. Consequently, it includes topics such as puberty and menopause, fertility and infertility, family planning, health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period, as well as cancers of the reproductive organs and breasts. This paper presents results of on women’s knowledge of reproductive health in several key areas: sources of information, understanding the concept of ovulation, awareness of factors that positively influence health, knowledge of the most and least fertile ages for women, and preventive measures related to the reproductive system. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of adult women aged 18 to 49 regarding reproductive health. Method: The study was based on a questionnaire survey analysed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program. Results: The majority of surveyed women had knowledge about ovulation, with most obtaining their information from the Internet (22.3%). Nearly all female respondents (93.7%) knew what ovulation is. Most women do not use cycle self-observation (75%). The age of sexual initiation for most of the respondents was at 18. More than two sexual partners were reported by nearly 40% of women. Conclusions: The group of women studied was homogenous in terms of the selected qualification criteria, i.e.; all of them were of reproductive age. Fertility knowledge did not correspond with adolescent age of sexual initiation and declared number of partners, which is a risk factor for future reproductive health disorders.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Women of Reproductive Age Regarding Fertility and Elective Oocyte Cryopreservation: A Study from the Al-Qassim Region.

Oocyte cryopreservation is used for fertility preservation, medical reasons, and social reasons to overcome physiological decline in fertility with age. There was no research to find the knowledge, attitude, and perception of women regarding oocyte cryopreservation in our region. This study thus aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of women of reproductive age in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, regarding fertility and elective oocyte cryopreservation. An Arabic-language online survey was conducted over six months targeting women aged 18-45 years in the Al-Qassim region. A total of 612 participants completed the questionnaire, which covered topics such as reproductive aspirations, knowledge of fertility, knowledge of elective oocyte cryopreservation, and concerns regarding fertility preservation. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The majority of participants (47.1%) wereaged 18-25 years. Participants' perceptions towards fertility preservation and social egg freezing were mixed, indicating varying levels of awareness about fertility issues. A statistically significant relationship was found between education level and knowledge of oocyte cryopreservation (p-value=0.004). Women with higher education levels (bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees) demonstrated significantly greater knowledge(p-value=0.004) about oocyte cryopreservation compared to those with lower education levels. The study highlights the influence of educational attainment on knowledge of oocyte cryopreservation. These findings align with broader trends in health education, suggesting that higher educational attainment correlates with betterfertility health literacy. Enhancingfertility health literacy through educational programs may lead to more proactive health behaviours and betterawareness about available assisted reproductive technologies.

Utilization of the Lentera DESA Website in Blended Learning-Based Soil Fertility and Health Management Training in Yogyakarta

Knowledge of soil fertility and soil health management is essential, especially in Yogyakarta, where the soil fertility and health of rice fields are low. This study employed an experimental research design involving 715 farmers, with data collected in August 2022 and June 2023. The research explored the effectiveness of a blended learning training scheme, especially in the use of The Lentera DESA website. The primary objectives were to identify factors that are related to the use of the Lentera DESA website and to examine the correlation between the duration of watching training videos and farmers’ knowledge. Factor analysis was carried out using multiple linear and mediated regression analyses. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine whether there is a relationship between video viewing duration and increased knowledge. As a result, four factors directly relate to the use of the Lentera DESA website, namely re-login activity (P = 0.001), farmer age (P = 0.047), presence of info-session (P = 0.054), and smartphone ownership (P = 0.023). Mediated regression analysis revealed that re-login activity plays an essential role in increasing the utilization of the Lentera DESA website through both partial mediation and complete mediation. However, using the Lentera DESA website as an online training medium showed no significant correlation with increasing farmers knowledge of soil fertility and soil health management.

Fertility Perspectives and Concerns in Adolescents With PCOS Compared to Controls

PurposePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is prevalent in young females and is known to affect fertility. Minimal research has examined fertility perspectives in adolescents with PCOS, despite adult research revealing relationships between infertility and psychosocial well-being and quality of life. We examined fertility perspectives/concerns in adolescents with PCOS and an age- and body mass index (BMI)–matched control group and explored associations with quality of life. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of female adolescents (13–21 years of age) with PCOS (n = 50) and age- and BMI-matched controls (n = 50), recruited at a large Midwestern pediatric center. Surveys assessed sociodemographics, hirsutism, fertility perspectives and quality of life. Descriptive statistics and Welch's 2-sample t-tests were used to examine fertility perspectives and quality of life. ResultsOf the 103 approached, 100 participants were enrolled (97% recruitment rate), with 50 participants in each group. Parenthood goals did not significantly differ between groups; >70% expressed desire to have biological children. However, PCOS participants reported significantly higher concerns about future fertility (p < .01) without differences in fertility knowledge or support (p = .53). Most PCOS participants stated they would feel angry if their provider withheld this information and reported wanting more information. Quality of life did not differ between groups. DiscussionOur study suggests that irrespective of PCOS status, most adolescents aspire to parenthood. Notably, many with PCOS lack awareness of infertility risks but express heightened concerns. In contrast to adult studies, fertility concerns among adolescents with PCOS were not associated with decreased quality of life, suggesting that earlier fertility counseling may improve outcomes.

P-461 Fertility knowledge, childbearing intentions and attitudes regarding parenthood among men and women about to get married in Iran

Abstract Study question What is the level of fertility knowledge, childbearing intentions, and attitudes toward parenthood among men and women who are about to get married in Iran? Summary answer The study revealed insufficient fertility knowledge, a strong desire for childbearing, and a positive attitude toward parenthood, along with significant gender disparities in fertility preferences. What is known already In recent years, declining birth rates in both developed and developing countries have raised concerns. The downward trend in fertility rates and delayed childbearing present significant global challenges related to aging populations, requiring an examination of contributing factors. Advances in reproductive technologies, evolving gender roles, and personal and professional aspirations have fundamentally reshaped attitudes towards fertility, influencing couples’ intentions to have children. A comprehensive understanding of individuals’ fertility knowledge and preferences regarding childbearing and parenting is essential to comprehend fertility behaviors and develop targeted interventions, family support systems, and policies aligned with their preferences. Study design, size, duration From June 2021 to March 2022, a web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 2938 soon-to-be-married individuals (1533 women and 1405 men). Participants/materials, setting, methods Women aged 18 to 35 years and men aged 18 to 45 years, with no history of prior marriages, who were referred to public health centers for the purpose of obtaining a marriage license, were included through stratified sampling in Iran’s five major cities (Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Ahvaz, and Shiraz). The Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS) and the Swedish Fertility Awareness Questionnaire were used for data collection. Main results and the role of chance The mean age among men and women was 28.86±5.44 and 24.61±5.99 years, respectively. The average CFKS score was 48.19% (0-100%) with no significant difference between males and females (48.08% vs 48.3%, p = 0.694). The study found that 86.6% of participants expressed an intention to have children in the future, significantly more prevalent among men compared to women (88.9% vs. 84.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The desired family size was two children for 56.1% of participants, while 19.1% preferred one child. The intention of women to have the first and last child between the ages of 35 and 39 was 12.7% and 31%, respectively. Participants highly valued parenthood (7.76±2.90), and men valued parenthood significantly more compared to women (7.88 ±2.84 vs 7.64±2.96, p = 0.027). Participants viewed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), adoption, and a child-free lifestyle as potential responses to infertility with respective ratings of 5.73±3.78, 4.04±3.63, and 3.99±3.63, respectively (range 0-10). No significant gender differences were observed (all p &amp;gt; 0.05). The study highlighted that maintaining a stable relationship was perceived as the most important factor influencing the decision to have children (4.54±1.05). Moreover, participants believed the most transformative aspects of parenthood were the giving and receiving of love (2.56±0.82). Limitations, reasons for caution Interpreting the results necessitates addressing limitations such as volunteer bias, urban area sampling, cross-sectional design limitations for causal relationships, and the potential influence of Covid-19 on fertility preferences. Therefore, caution is needed when generalizing findings to other populations. Wider implications of the findings The study’s findings have significant implications for policies promoting childbearing. To enhance fertility knowledge, promote informed reproductive decision-making, and facilitate consensus among couples regarding their fertility choices, it is recommended that midwives assume a crucial role in providing related services. These measures should be smoothly integrated into existing frameworks. Trial registration number Not applicable

P-068 Fertility education improves knowledge and semen quality: an open-label randomized controlled trial on 382 healthy Japanese men

Abstract Study question Does fertility education improve semen quality in healthy men? Summary answer Healthy men who received online video-based education had significantly improved fertility knowledge and semen quality. What is known already Modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors can affect semen quality, but men generally have limited knowledge about fertility and are not aware of the impact of these factors on their reproductive health. Prior research indicates that fertility education increases fertility awareness, but whether this effect extends to modifications in lifestyle and thus to semen quality remains unexplored. Study design, size, duration Participants (N = 382) were randomised into two groups. The intervention group (IG) watched a five-minute online video series about healthy lifestyles and fertility risks (e.g., sedentary time, smoking, high temperature) every four months, a total of three times. At the same time points, the control group (CG) received a general health web article. Assessments of fertility knowledge, health behaviour, and semen quality were assessed before the intervention (T1) and one year later (T2) for both groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants were male employees recruited during annual health check-ups at six workplaces in Japan. Those aged 20-39 years who planned to have children in the future participated. The primary short-term outcome was semen quality, measured by sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Secondary outcomes were Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS) scores and health behaviours (e.g., reduced sedentary time). All analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Main results and the role of chance Of the 382 participants, 208 (55%) completed the T2 survey: 53% (99/188) in the IG and 56% (109/193) in the CG. T1 characteristics, fertility knowledge, health behaviours, and semen quality were well balanced between groups. Generalised estimating equation models showed a significant gain in fertility knowledge from T1 to T2 in both groups: +13.2 points on CFKS (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.7 to 16.7) in the IG and +4.7 (1.3 to 8.1) in the CG, with a significant interaction between group and time (P&amp;lt;0.001). Total motile sperm count showed a significant interaction between group and time (P=0.046), with a significant improvement over time in the IG (+58.1 [15.2 to 101.1] million/ejaculate) but no change in the CG (-2.6 [-43.8 to 38.6]). DFI showed a marginally significant interaction (P=0.064) and an improvement over time in the IG (-0.72 [-1.54 to 0.10]) compared with the CG (+0.35 [-0.43 to 1.13]). The other semen indicators and health behaviours showed a favourable trend in the IG, but the interactions between group and time did not reach statistical significance. Limitations, reasons for caution Difficulties in recruiting participants and high attrition led to a small sample size, which may limit the statistical power to detect a significant link between knowledge gain and improved sperm quality via altered health behaviours. Volunteer bias towards men more interested in fertility may limit the generalisability of the findings. Wider implications of the findings Low-cost short video interventions could improve semen quality at the population level. As a future direction, the preventive effects of fertility education on infertility and the causal pathway should be explored in larger studies. Trial registration number UMIN000045389

P-716 What do Africans know about their fertility? A systematic literature review exploring fertility knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour among African population groups

Abstract Study question What is the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour regarding fertility, among African population groups? Summary answer Fertility knowledge and uptake of treatment options for infertility were found to be sub-optimal while the attitude towards fertility were mixed. What is known already Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples worldwide according to the WHO, with some evidence of higher incidence among the African population. Health policies have highlighted the importance of optimising fertility through better knowledge and, recently, there has been a concerted effort from several stakeholders to improve fertility-education. An important component of doing this effectively is to understand the current status and identify gaps. Most studies on this topic, however, have focused on high-income countries. This study aimed to assess current patterns of fertility knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour; and identify improvement opportunities but with a focus on the African population group. Study design, size, duration Global Health, MEDLINE, Web of Science PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases were systematically searched for articles published between 2000 and 2023. Articles covering fertility knowledge, attitude and practices were included if they had been conducted in Africa and were published in an English language peer-reviewed journal. Participants/materials, setting, methods Articles were extracted and reviewed independently by two researchers. Content was analysed and categorised thematically. Quality assessment of studies were conducted. Main results and the role of chance The systematic search yielded 1939 articles and 25 articles were included, studies were from Nigeria, South Africa, Gambia, Egypt, Kenya. Overall, the reviewed studies showed that Africans place a high value on their fertility and have high aspirations towards parenthood, with childbearing being perceived as fulfilment or destiny. Knowledge and understanding of ART and treatment options was found to be low in studies assessed. There was also low knowledge of age-related fertility decline and low understanding of the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Although the attitude towards infertility and assisted reproductive technology was mixed, there is more openness within the higher-socioeconomic demographics, although generally sub-optimal. Overall studies also highlighted several myths and misinformation about ART. There were important factors influencing behaviour: such as the importance of being married, having a steady income, and safe-housing. Some studies also highlighted that cultural beliefs and religion also play an important role. Research findings showed that there is stigma associated with childlessness in many African communities. Although some studies reported attributing infertility to fate or destiny, most remain open to treatment through various methods, ranging from ART to herbalist and spiritual intervention, with some considering prayer a method of treatment. Limitations, reasons for caution This study focused on fertility knowledge, attitude and practices of Africans which has implications for generalisability among wider population groups. From our quality assessment, some of the studies in the systematic review had methodological limitations. Wider implications of the findings While strategies and policies to improve fertility awareness are being deployed, it is important to consider the needs of lower- and middle-income countries. Findings can inform government policies aiming to improve education, minimise ART costs, improve health-equity and access; ultimately allowing people to achieve their desired family-building intentions. Trial registration number not applicable

P-463 Transforming teen fertility awareness: the impact of a specialized health education initiative delivered by senior human reproduction nurses in high schools

Abstract Study question Can we enhance fertility awareness among young individuals through targeted health education? Summary answer The initiative, led by senior human reproduction nurses, demonstrated a remarkable increase of 23.78% in fertility knowledge among adolescents. What is known already Understanding factors impacting fertility is key to making informed reproductive decisions. However, a pervasive gap exists in evidence-based fertility knowledge within Western societies, underscoring the need for specialized health education. Young adults often overlook fertility considerations until they encounter challenges in conceiving. Interestingly, recent findings indicate that although fertility awareness is valued amongst young people, it can also lead to stress and anxiety. Therefore to foster early and impactful learning, introducing fertility education to high school curriculums is recommended. Study design, size, duration The reproductive health and fertility awareness initiative was conducted across five public high schools in Catalonia, Spain, during the 2022-2023 academic year. The training consisted of 45-minute presentations delivered by 2 senior human reproduction nurses and focused on modifiable factors influencing fertility. To assess the success of the initiative, we compared teenagers’ knowledge before and after the educational sessions. Participants/materials, setting, methods During the academic year, presentations reached 157 high school students. Assessment was carried out through the virtual platform “Kahoot”, employing 10 multiple-choice questions with 4 response options. The responses before and after the intervention were recorded and analyzed using a paired Fisher’s exact test. P-values &amp;lt;0.05 were considered significant. Main results and the role of chance Prior to the initiative, the correct response rates to the fertility questions varied, with averages ranging from 47.6% and 73.8%. Following the fertility awareness presentation, when students were asked the same questions, there was a marked improvement in student performance. Average scores improved to 89.0%, 90.2%, 88.1%, 84.5%, and 89.5% across the respective schools. These improved scores were significant across all five high schools (p-values: 0.0074, 0.0229, 0.0221, 0.0006, 0.0163), emphasizing the effectiveness of the initiative in varying educational environments. The overall average of correct answers initially stood at 64.5%, and significantly increased to to 88.3% (p &amp;lt; 0,0001) post-intervention, reflecting a relative improvement of 23.8%. The consistent increase in knowledge across diverse student demographics suggests that the program’s content was well-received and comprehensible, contributing to its success. Limitations, reasons for caution The initiative only included participants from Catalonia, which may introduce regional biases, limiting broader applicability. Translating increased knowledge into sustained behavior change remains a challenge. A longer-term follow-up period would provide insights into the retention and application of fertility knowledge over time Wider implications of the findings The positive reception and rapid knowledge assimilation among students underscores the potential of targeted health education, extending empowerment beyond classrooms to influence their future reproductive health decisions. This initiative also lays groundwork for addressing potential disparities in fertility knowledge, which has implications for promoting equitable access to reproductive health information Trial registration number not applicable

A systematic review of factors influencing the childbearing intentions of college students in developed and developing countries

This paper provides in-depth knowledge regarding the fundamental factors influencing college students’ childbearing intentions. We used PubMed, ProQuest Dissertations, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to search for relevant articles published between January 1946 and April 2023. Among these, we incorporated 51 studies conducted in 20 countries into a quantitative synthesis. The results indicated that there were differences between developed and developing countries in terms of the factors influencing college students’ childbearing intentions. The primary factors affecting childbearing intentions in developed countries were fertility knowledge, personal pursuits, and partner relationships. However, the influencing factors in developing countries were more complex: Financial pressures and personal pursuits deterred college students from their aspirations to have children, and these challenges delayed their intended reproductive age. Implications of the findings are discussed.

O-106 The FERTILITAS study: exploring parenthood intentions among reproductive-aged individuals without children in Belgium

Abstract Study question What are parenthood intentions of reproductive-aged individuals without children in Belgium? Summary answer Our findings show that 63% of study participants were either actively trying to conceive or expressed an intention to have a child(ren) in the future. What is known already Over the past decades, there has been a noticeable trend marked by declining fertility rates and a delay in the onset of parenthood. Narratives promoting childbirth co-exist in parallel with an ongoing social debate questioning the ethical justification of bringing new life into the world, given concerns about overpopulation and climate change. Younger generations seem to be increasingly choosing to remain childfree. To date, most studies have used a dichotomy approach (yes/no) to assess parenthood intentions, which inadequately captures the complexities of individuals' real-life experiences. Study design, size, duration We conducted a cross-sectional survey study using convenience sampling. Non-pregnant individuals of reproductive age without children were invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire. A pilot study (n = 10) was conducted to assess the readability, clearness and the length of the questionnaire. Based on our sample size calculation we aimed to recruit 1067 participants (95% confidence level, 3% margin of error). Data collection was carried out between November 2023 and January 2024. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study population consisted of reproductive-aged (18-45 years) individuals without children residing in Belgium. Participants were recruited through a multi-modal recruitment strategy (flyers, social media, etc.). The questionnaire was available in Dutch, French and English and contained questions on socio-demographic characteristics, parenthood intentions (based on the taxonomy of reproductive intentions developed by Bola et. al. (2022)) and sources of fertility information. In addition, it also included the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (Boivin et. al. (2013)). Main results and the role of chance In our current study sample (n = 1826), 71% participants self-identified as female and 28% as male. The mean age of our study sample was 25 years (SD 5). Most participants were born in Belgium (95%), were in a relationship (64%) and had some form of higher education (74%). A limited number of participants (2%) had previous experience with fertility treatment. Most participants were classified as ‘desirers’ (63%; n = 1146/1826), of which 5% (n = 83/1826) were actively trying to conceive and 58% (n = 1063/1826) were planning to have child(ren) in the future. In addition, 9% (n = 158/1826) of our study participants were ‘avoiders’ who expressed their preference to not have any children in the future. The remaining participants were classified as ‘flexers’ (28%; n = 508/1826). This group encompassed participants that were unsure about their desire to have children in the future (18%; n = 337/1826), those who indicated to not want any children now (8%; n = 150/1826) and those that indicated to be undecided (1%; n = 21/1826). On average, participants expressed a desire to have 2 children (SD 0,8), indicated a preference to have their first child at the age of 28 (SD 5) and to have their last child at the age of 32 (SD 6). Limitations, reasons for caution Our study employed convenience sampling to recruit participants, therefore our reported results should be interpreted with caution. The use of social media for recruitment could have introduced a bias towards participants with higher levels of education. Wider implications of the findings While most participants expressed an intention to have a child(ren) in the future, a significant number also expressed the wish to remain childfree or indicated to be unsure about their desire to have children. More in-depth research would be of value to better understand the reasons behind parenthood intentions. Trial registration number Not applicable

P313 Knowledge and experiences of fertility, contraception and sexual reproductive health among males with cystic fibrosis in the variant specific therapy era

P313 Knowledge and experiences of fertility, contraception and sexual reproductive health among males with cystic fibrosis in the variant specific therapy era

Knowledge of fertility period among reproductive age women in Kenya: a multilevel analysis based on 2022 Kenyan demographic and health survey

BackgroundKnowledge of the fertility period aids women in refraining and engaging in sexual intercourse to avoid and to get pregnant, respectively. The effect of community-level factors on knowledge of the fertility period was not yet known in Kenya. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the community- and individual-level determinants of knowledge of fertility period among women of childbearing age in Kenya.MethodsThe 2022 Kenyan Demography and Health Survey data was used for the current study. This study included 16,901 women of reproductive age. To account for the clustering effects of DHS data and the binary nature of the outcome variable, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was applied. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to declare the statistical significance. In addition, the model that had the lowest deviance was the one that best fit the data.ResultsThe overall prevalence of knowledge of the fertility period among Kenyan women was 38.1% (95%CI = 37.3, 38.9). Women’s age, women’s education status, heard FP, contraceptive use, media exposure, and distance from health facility significant individual factors while place of residence, and community-level education, were all of factors were found to be strongly associated with knowledge of fertility period.ConclusionAs per the findings of our study, Knowledge of the fertility period among reproductive women was low in Kenya. In the era of increasing refusal of hormone-based family planning, fertility-awareness-based family planning methods may be an option. Promoting the correct fertility period through education and media outreach may be helpful strategies for enhancing fertility decision-making.

Crop Monitoring System Using IOT

Currently, the low agricultural output is causing farmers to suffer. Low crop growth is primarily caused by knowledge of soil fertility and crop selection, even though proper crop selection is the primary booster key for enhancing agricultural yield by doing soil analysis and taking metrological elements into consideration. Farmers with limited experience in conventional farming are finding it difficult to make wise crop selection choices in the current environment. The low soil fertility is caused by the same crop being chosen for each seasonal cycle. The goal of this research is to use IoT devices to create an accurate and efficient system. Compared to the outdated manual laboratory testing procedures, which are subject to human errors, such a system is predictable. A crop's proper selection is mostly important in the agricultural field. As a contribution, we offer Smart Crop Selection (SCS), an IOT-based approach that is based on soil and metrological factor data. These variables include soil moisture content, temperature, and precipitation. Because these issues are not given as much care as they should, existing IoT-based systems are less efficient than our proposed model. Real-time sensory data is transmitted to Firebase cloud for analysis in the suggested model

Psychometric properties of persian version of the cardiff fertility knowledge scale (CFKS–P)

BackgroundThe level of fertility knowledge of reproductive-age people is low to moderate, and the inadequate knowledge of infertility-related factors may cause some people to unconsciously engage in activities that reduce their fertility. Given the significance of fertility knowledge, and the lack of standard instruments to evaluate it in Iran, the present study aimed at determining psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS–P) in Iranian population. Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 280 participants (comprising 140 couples) attending mandatory pre-marriage educational sessions at two public health centers in Tehran were consecutively sampled from July to September 2021. The study examined the face, content, and structural validity (through confirmatory factor analysis) of the questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using measures of internal consistency. ResultsThe structural validity of CFKS-P was approved with 13 items and two factors (basic knowledge of fertility and misconception about fertility) based on confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA = 0.023, 90 % CI = 0.053–0.082, TLI = 0.916 and CFI = 0.972, χ 2 = 148.345). Kuder–Richardson coefficient of the scale was calculated to be 0.85. The overall percentage of correct answers for fertility knowledge was 50.76 %. ConclusionThe CFKS-P is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the fertility knowledge in Iranian men and women. This scale can help the health care providers to assess the fertility knowledge of their clients or the quality of health education provided.

Feasibility and effectiveness of preconception check-ups at workplaces in Japan.

Despite the recent increase in infertility and perinatal complications, preconception care is not commonly available in Japan. Working women are considered to have the greatest need for preconception care, as increasingly they marry and have children later in life. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of preconception check-ups in the workplace. We provided 51 female employees aged 18-39years with free preconception check-ups, including additional blood tests and an online medical questionnaire, during mandatory health check-ups at their workplace. A doctor provided online counseling based on the check-up results. We assessed fertility knowledge using the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS-J) and childbearing desire pre- and postintervention. Preconception check-ups revealed various potential risk factors for future pregnancies, including underweight (12%), obesity (20%), Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody positivity (22%), low rubella IgG antibody levels (47%), iron deficiency (12%), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <30ng/mL (98%). Postintervention, the participants reported high satisfaction with the check-ups and significantly advanced their reproductive plans (P = .008). Furthermore, 95% of the participants indicated an intention to seek medical attention or make lifestyle changes. The postintervention CFKS-J score (mean [SD]) was higher than the preintervention score (71.7 [19.3] vs 63.0 [22.0]; P = .006). We developed a preconception check-up package that can be integrated into workplace health examinations, complemented by tailored counseling. This novel check-up package is a feasible and effective approach for improving preconception health and fertility awareness.

Validation and measurement properties of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) in Iranian couples

BackgroundOne of the most important population challenges during the last three decades has been the significant decrease in the fertility rate worldwide. Since the validity and reliability of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) have not been determined in Iran, we conducted this study to assess psychometric characteristics of the MFKI and FFKI in couples in Tabriz and Urmia, Iran.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, as the first part (quantitative phase) of a sequential explanatory mixed-method study. The current study was done on 1200 participants (600 women with their husbands) living in the northwestern region of Iran, between January 2023 and September 2023. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the tool (MFKI and FFKI) were performed in 5 stages, including translation process, content validity, face validity, construct validity and reliability assesment.ResultsIn this study, the CVI, CVR, and impact scores of the MFKI tool were equal to 0.90, 0.88, 3.26 and CVI, CVR, and Impact scores of the FFKI tool were respectively equal to 0.95, 0.91 and 3.59, that it indicated a satisfactory level of content and face validity. Then, to check the construct validity, the results of the exploratory factor analysis of the MFKI tool on 13 items led to the identification of 3 factors, including Environment and reproductive health (ERH), Lifestyle factors (LSF) and Sperm quality (SQ), which explained 66% of the cumulative variance. The results of the exploratory factor analysis of the FFKI tool on 15 items led to the identification of 4 factors, including Reproductive health (RH), Lifestyle factors (LSF), Chance of conception (CHC) and Ovarian reserve and preservation (ORP), which explained 68% of the cumulative variance.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicated that the Persian version of MFKI and FFKI has acceptable psychometric properties to measure the awareness of Iranian couples regarding fertility, which can be used as a screening tool for fertility knowledge by health care professionals and also as a reliable tool in research.

Reproductive Health in Trans and Gender Diverse Patients: Fertility related knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making among gender diverse youth - A narrative review.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth demonstrate low utilization of fertility preservation before medical and surgical gender-affirming interventions. However, a significant number of TGD youth have goals for parenthood and/or recognize that their attitude toward future family-building goals may change over time. In this narrative review, we conclude that TGD young people should have ongoing opportunities to discuss their family-building goals and options for fertility preservation. Validated decision tools can help facilitate these discussions. The number of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth seeking care continues to increase, necessitating comprehensive counseling about potential long-term effects of gender-affirming medical interventions on fertility. The objective of this narrative review was to examine fertility-related knowledge, attitudes, and decision-making (including factors influencing decisions, decision regret, and decision tools) among TGD youth. We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar for original, peer-reviewed research investigating TGD youth attitudes and knowledge of fertility and fertility preservation, perspectives on fertility counseling and fertility preservation decision-making, as well as fertility-related decision tools. We reviewed 106 studies; eight were included in this narrative review. Four studies assessed TGD youth knowledge and attitudes of fertility and fertility preservation, three examined perspectives on fertility counseling and fertility preservation decision-making, and three discussed development of decision tools. Key findings were that: (1) many TGD youth are aware of potential fertility-related impacts of gender-affirming treatments, but there are still unmet informational needs, (2) some TGD youth report an interest in future biological parenthood, and of those who are not currently interested in biological parenthood, many acknowledge their desires may change over time, (3) ongoing discussions about fertility and fertility preservation are critical, and (4) decision tools are in development. In conclusion, TGD youth and their caregivers should receive ongoing, comprehensive fertility counseling and decision tools may be helpful to facilitate these discussions and decisions in each youth's gender-affirming care journey.

Fertility Knowledge and Educational Experiences of Graduating Medical Students: A Multi-Institution Survey.

Objective: Our goal was to assess the fertility knowledge and educational experiences of graduating U.S. medical students to evaluate areas of improvement for future educational interventions. Design: Web-based cross-sectional survey. Subjects: Medical students graduating in 2023 from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (SOM), New York University (NYU) Grossman SOM, Wayne State University SOM, Perelman SOM at the University of Pennsylvania, and Mayo Clinic Alix SOM. Main Outcome Measures: Fertility-related knowledge and educational experiences of U.S. medical students in their final year of school. Results: In total, 117 students (14.4%) completed the survey. The average knowledge score was 78%. Twenty-three (22%) overestimated the age of most precipitous fertility decline, and 50 (52%) overestimated the chance of getting pregnant for a 40-year-old person with ovaries. One-third of students (30, 32%) incorrectly believe that physicians have equivalent infertility rates to the general population. Students were less cognizant of male fertility issues, incorrectly believing there was no negative impact on male fertility by age (43, 42%) among other factors. Seventy-five (81%) reported less than 5 hours of fertility-related education in medical school. Only one-third (32%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the fertility education they received. In an open-response question, students expressed interest in additional education on transgender and cancer patient care, fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and reproductive life planning in medicine. Conclusions: There is a need and an opportunity for medical education programs to enhance fertility education. Giving students and trainees the knowledge required to make informed decisions for their family-building purposes and improving their ability to counsel patients adequately should be a goal of future educational endeavors. The data collected in this study will serve as a guide for the development of fertility-related learning modules for medical students and trainees.