Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Infertility Among Lebanese Women Experiencing Difficulty Conceiving

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Infertility Studies
• Sociomedical Sciences

Background:

• Infertility presents a significant global health challenge.
• Declining fertility rates in Lebanon necessitate understanding women's perspectives.
• Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices is crucial for improving care and support for infertile women in Lebanon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Lebanese women experiencing infertility.
• To identify factors influencing these knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
• To inform strategies for better reproductive health education and support.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 346 Lebanese women at two fertility centers in Beirut.
• Participants were recruited via random selection and interviewed individually using a questionnaire.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and generalized linear models.

Main Results:

• High knowledge (63.6%), positive attitudes (66.2%), and good practices (82.1%) were observed among participants.
• Factors associated with higher knowledge included being a healthcare provider, adequate sleep, and a history of anxiety.
• Factors influencing attitudes and practices varied, including medical insurance, income, smoking, medical history, and duration of marriage or assisted reproductive technology (ART) experience.

Conclusions:

• Lebanese women with infertility demonstrate generally high knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices.
• Despite positive findings, knowledge gaps and cultural factors persist.
• Enhanced reproductive health education and specialized healthcare provider training are recommended.