Fertility knowledge and employment status among Japanese pregnant women: J-PEARL study

Despite recent improvements, fertility knowledge among Japanese individuals remains substantially lower than in other countries. This study aimed to evaluate fertility knowledge among women with pregnancy and childbirth experience and assess differences based on employment status, given the increasing intersection of professional careers and reproductive decision making.

A cross-sectional, multicenter questionnaire survey was administered to postpartum women at seven hospitals. The questionnaire assessed clinical and socioeconomic characteristics and incorporated the Cardiff fertility knowledge scale-Japanese version (CFKS-J). Participants were categorized as employed or non-employed and CFKS-J scores were calculated for both groups. Factors associated with greater fertility knowledge in each group were analyzed.

Of the 963 postpartum women who participated in this study, 81% were employed during pregnancy. Employed participants had significantly higher fertility knowledge scores (60.0±21.5) than non-employed participants (55.8±22.8; P=0.03). Healthcare workers had the highest knowledge about fertility. Common misconceptions included the effects of mumps, obesity, and sexually transmitted diseases on fertility.

Employed pregnant women had greater fertility knowledge than non-employed women. Factors linked to knowledge acquisition included education and the workplace environment. Improving access to fertility education among socially isolated groups, including the unemployed, remains essential.