Abayomi Ajayi, Victor Ajayi, Oluwafunmilayo Biobaku, Ifeoluwa Oyetunji, Happiness Aikhuele, Bamgboye M.Afolabi.
Abstract
Background: In-vitro fertilization is a component of Assisted Reproductive Technique.
Objective: To evaluate awareness, knowledge, and perception of final year medical students in In-vitro fertilization.
Method: A semi-structured questionnaire was served to 126 participants in September 2015.
Result: Mean [±SD] age of the 69 males (27.1 [4.2]) in the study was significantly difference (t=3.15; P-value=0.001) from that of the 57 females (25.1 [2.9]). In all, approximately 35%were sexually active 6 months prior to the survey, including 28% and 3% with one and with ≥4 heterogenous sexual partners respectively while almost 37% had never had sex. Three (5.3%) females and 2 (2.9%) males had their first heterosexual intercourse at age ≤15. Almost 63% of them heard of IVF during lectures. About 90% knew that IVF involves bringing egg and sperm together outside the body and putting fertilized egg back into the womb. While 84% regarded IVF babies as normal, 72% thought that it is too expensive, though 70% would opt for IVF in case of infertility. In all, 82% agreed that the wife is commonly blamed for infertility.
Conclusion: Major source of information on IVF was during medical lectures. Most of the respondents knew of basic IVF procedure. Assisted Reproductive Technology should be stressed more in the medical curriculum.
Keywords: Medical students; In-vitro fertilization; Awareness; Perception