Knowledge, Perception, and Factors influencing the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology among Women in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) consists of procedures that involve the invitro handling of both human oocytes and sperm or of an embryo, to establish a pregnancy. Also, ART has been reported to reduce the burden of more than 50% of infertility cases. The aim of this study was on knowledge, perception and factors influencing the use of ART among women in Lagos.

Methods: A descriptive study that used a multistage sampling method. Simple sampling method was used to select two from five divisions in Lagos state and three comprehensive primary health centres each from the two divisions. A convenient sampling method was used in selecting 330 women that participated in the study. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for the presentation of results at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Mean age of the respondents was 30.40±7.21 years, 75.8% were married, 52.2% do not know ART while 68.0% have a negative perception towards ART. There is a significant association between the age of respondents and their awareness of ART (p = 0.01). Also, there is a significant association between the educational level of the respondents and their perception of ART (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Negative perception and high cost of ART have led to its unacceptance as identified by the study. More emphasis should be on the benefit of ART in the communities. With reduced cost, a woman that needs ATR may have access to it.

Keywords: Knowledge, Perception, Assisted Reproductive Technology, Women