Attitude and willingness of infertile persons towards the uptake of assisted reproductive technologies in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: In most developing countries, the joy of every married man and woman is to procreate and raise children of their own. However, this desire does not always find fulfilment among some couples because of primary or secondary infertility. The majority who experience this condition live in developing countries where fertility services including Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) are not always available. This study, therefore, investigated the attitude and willingness of infertile persons to uptake ARTs.

Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey; a three-stage multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select 202 married persons receiving fertility services at a gynaecological clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria. A validated interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using SPSS with descriptive and inferential statistics with the level of the significant set at ⩽0.05.

Results: Respondents’ age was 34.3 years (SD ± 6.5); 88.6% were female; 55.5% had tertiary education; 54.5% reported a history of primary infertility. The negative attitude towards ARTs was observed among many of the respondents; however, some were willing to use ART services. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was the most preferred method; only 15.0% were optimistic of noncomplications. The cost was the most mentioned barrier to use of ART. Positive association existed between attitude and willingness to use ART. Females are three times more likely than males to have a positive attitude toward the uptake of ART.

Conclusion: Public enlightenment and advocacy are recommended to influence negative attitude towards ARTs.

Keywords: Infertility, Couples, Assisted reproductive technologies, Attitude, Willingness