Perception, Attitude, And Awareness Regarding Infertility Among Medical Undergraduate Students in Coastal South India

Abstract

Background: Infertility is on the rise globally and has several underlying causes. It is essential for a medical undergraduate to have adequate awareness and perceptions towards infertility and its management for better professional prospects and reproductive health of the people.

Objectives: To assess the perception, attitude, and awareness regarding infertility among medical undergraduate students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical college in Karnataka, India, among 428 participants and a pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Binary logistic regression was used; a statistically significant cut-off was kept at a ‘p’ value of <0.05.

Results: Overall, 264 (61.7%) participants were in the 18-to-20-year age group, 54.9% (n=241) were females, 314 (71.5%) considered infertility as a matter of growing concern, and 284 (66.3%) felt stress is the leading risk factor. Also, a high proportion of them had positive perceptions towards infertility and its management, 69.5% were willing to advise patients about infertility management and 79.9% considered adoption as one of the preferred options. Awareness about infertility in the study population was 52.1% towards infertility; those in 21-24 years group, 2^nd professional year, and Indian citizens had the highest awareness as compared to other categories.

Conclusion: The study participants had positive perceptions and favourable attitudes towards the management of infertility. Nearly half of them had an awareness regarding infertility. Those of higher age-group, from the second professional year and Indian nationals had higher awareness as compared to others.