Investigating knowledge levels of university students about infertility

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge levels of university students about infertility and investigate the differences in knowledge levels according to sociodemographic variables and some lifestyle factors.

The sample of the study consisted of 9693 undergraduate students (5002 females, 4691 males) from 12 regions. Regions were determined according to Statistical Region Units Classification-1 criteria. Infertility Knowledge Test (IKT) was used as a data collection tool.

It was found that university students' IKT scores significantly differed according to gender (p<0.01); age (p<0.05); body mass index (p<0.05); reproductive health education status (p<0.001), presence of infertile individuals around (p<0.001); having sexual intercourse (p<0.001); smoking (p<0.001) and alcohol consumption frequency (p<0.05).

University students' lack of knowledge about family planning, effects of age and sexual intercourse timing on infertility was remarkable. However, it was determined that the knowledge level of infertility risk factors related to substance use and body mass index was high. It is believed that increasing the level of knowledge about infertility among individuals will positively effect their awareness of risk factors and facilitate their search for timely medical assistance. Sexual health education can be effective in increasing university students' knowledge of infertility.