Kudesia R, et al. - The purpose of this study is to create, validate, and use a fertility awareness survey based on current U.S. data. The FIT-KS is validated to current U.S. information for use in both general and medical populations as a quick evaluation of fertility knowledge. The knowledge gaps showed in this examination correlate with national trends in delayed childbearing and time to initiate treatment. For medical trainees, these results raise concerns about the quality of fertility counseling they may be able to offer patients. Greater educational outreach must be undertaken to enhance fertility awareness.

Methods

• For this research, they designed a cross-sectional study.
• In this study, phase 1 included 18-45 years old U.S. women.
• In phase 2 included female medical students and obstetrics and gynecology trainees at two urban academic programs.
• Survey including demographics, the Fertility & Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS) instrument, and General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire.

Results

• In this study, the FIT-KS was validated through detailed item and validity investigations.
• A total of 127 women in phase 1 and their median age was 31 years.
• Among these women participated in phase 1, 43.7% had children.
• Their mean FIT-KS score was 16.2 ± 3.5 (55.9% correct).
• Total 118 medical trainees participated in phase 2 and their median age was 25 years.
• Among these women participated in phase 2, 12.4% had children.
• Their mean FIT-KS score was 18.8 ± 2.1 (64.9% correct), with year of training correlating to a higher score (r=0.40).
• Participant awareness in regards to lifestyle factors varied, but it was especially low regarding the effects of lubricants.
• The majority underestimated the spontaneous miscarriage rate and overestimated the fecundability of 40-year-old women.
• There was general overestimation of success rates for assisted reproductive technologies, especially among medical trainees.