Journal
HUMAN FERTILITY
Volume 26, Issue 2, Pages 302-311Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2153349
Keywords
Fertility knowledge; psychosocial; mixed methods; qualitative research; healthcare professionals; fertility awareness
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This study investigated the fertility knowledge of lay individuals and healthcare professionals (HCPs) and found that HCPs did not demonstrate better knowledge than the participants. The study emphasized the need for HCPs to improve their understanding of fertility in order to enhance patients' fertility awareness.
As the average age of first-time parents continues to rise, there has been a concerted effort by educators, policy makers and several reproductive health groups to improve fertility awareness. This study explored fertility knowledge of lay men and women and healthcare professionals (HCPs) using the same test instrument, providing a new and unique perspective compared with previous studies. Results were obtained from 1082 survey respondents: 347 HCPs, 319 men and 413 women, 105 of whom were trying to conceive (TTC). A total of 35 interviewees were purposively sampled to include 9 HCPs, 13 men and 13 women from the reproductive age range and of varying ethnic and educational backgrounds. Interview data were transcribed and analysed using the framework method. The proportion of HCPs correctly answering the survey knowledge questions was 47.1 (95% CI = 41.7%, 52.5%) compared to 44.4% for women (95% CI = 38.9%, 50.1%); 49.9% (95% CI = 39.0, 59.9%) for women TTC; and 32.5% (95% CI = 27.1%, 37.9%) for men. HCPs were ranked as the most trusted source for seeking fertility information. Overall HCPs did not demonstrate better fertility knowledge than lay participants, with inconsistencies regarding where responsibility lies for providing the right information to patients. HCPs need to improve their knowledge about fertility to help improve patient's fertility awareness.
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