Awareness, Knowledge and Perception of In-Vitro Fertilization among Final-Year Medical Students in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In-vitro fertilization is a component of Assisted Reproductive Technique. Objective: To evaluate awareness, knowledge and perception of final year medical students in In-vitro fertilization. Method: A semi-structured questionnaire was served to 126 participants in September 2015. Result: Mean [±SD] age of the 69males (27.1 ,4.2) in the study was significantly difference (t=3.15; P value=0.001) from that of the 57females (25.1, 2.9). In all, approximately 35%were sexually active 6 months prior to the survey, including 28% and 3% with one and with ≥4 heterogenous sexual partners respectively while almost 37% had never had sex. Three (5.3%) females and 2(2.9%) males had their first heterosexual intercourse at age ≤15. Almost 63% of them heard of IVF during lectures. About 90% knew that IVF involves bringing egg and sperm together outside the body and putting fertilized egg back into the womb. While 84% regarded IVF babies as normal, 72% thought that it is too expensive, though 70% would opt for IVF in case of infertility. In all, 82% agreed that the wife is commonly blamed for infertility. Conclusion: Major source of information on IVF was during medical lectures. Most of the respondents knew of basic IVF procedure. Assisted Reproductive Technology should be stressed more in medical curriculum.