Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infertility is on the rise across the India. We aim to asses fertility awareness scores in Indian population and factors influencing it. Prospective cross sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sub fertile women who attended OPD and consented for interview were given a questionnaire. The questions contained 14 questions on natural fertility factors (6 questions), risk factors for infertility (3 questions), and regarding treatment and misconceptions related to infertility (5 questions). The total scores were calculated. Scores were correlated with source of information, Socioeconomic status and other demographic factors. Standard deviation or mean were used for Quantitative variables. Categorical data, was analysed using Pearson's Chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 209 women participated in the study. The overall Fertility Awareness level was good in 82 (39.2%) and poor in 127 (60.8%) study participants. The scores were better in urban and younger than thirty. There was positive linear association with education status of the women (P value < 0.001). It was seen that awareness levels of women of upper and middle class was statistically significantly better than lower class (P value - 0.03). The women who talked to medical person had better knowledge about fertile period and assisted reproductive techniques. CONCLUSION: There is poor awareness about sub fertility causes and available treatment options in Indian population. The people who contact medical personnel timely for it are better aware. There is a need to integrate fertility knowledge in education system and government programmes.