Fertility awareness among Chinese university students: scale development and cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Public Health
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Global fertility rates are declining, with China experiencing a sharp decrease.
• Chinese university students often lack sufficient fertility awareness.
• No validated instrument existed to assess fertility awareness in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Fertility Awareness Scale for University Students (FASUS).
• To assess the current level of fertility awareness among Chinese university students.
• To identify factors influencing fertility awareness in this population.

Main Methods:

• The FASUS scale was developed using literature review, interviews, and Delphi consultations.
• Psychometric properties were evaluated through factor analysis and reliability testing (Cronbach's α, split-half, test-retest).
• A cross-sectional survey of 750 students assessed awareness levels and influencing factors using regression analysis.

Main Results:

• The 22-item FASUS scale demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.97) and covered knowledge, attitudes, and skills.
• The average fertility awareness score was 78.01 ± 16.44, indicating low to moderate levels.
• Factors influencing awareness included gender, ethnicity, education, only-child status, and prior education.

Conclusions:

• A validated scale (FASUS) for assessing fertility awareness in Chinese university students was developed.
• Fertility awareness among Chinese university students is generally low.
• Healthcare institutions should implement targeted interventions to enhance reproductive health outcomes.