Awareness of and preventive practices against acquired female reproductive tract factor infertility among women of reproductive age in Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Infertility is a major global reproductive health concern, with preventable acquired reproductive tract factor infertility contributing variably across populations. Limited awareness of its causes, risk factors, burden and prevention informed this study.
Aim: The aim was to assess awareness and prevention practices of acquired reproductive tract factor infertility among childbearing-age gynaecological clinic attendees.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period on 204 randomly selected participants at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Dependent variables were level of awareness and prevention practices. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariable methods. Frequencies and percentages were used for descriptive analyses while Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test compared categorical and continuous variables respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.
Results: Awareness of acquired reproductive tract factor infertility was 49.5%. Awareness was associated with education (aOR=3.13, 95%CI: 1.66-5.90, p=0.0004), fertility status (aOR=0.37, 95%CI; 0.16-0.85, p=0.02) and employment (aOR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.13-0.85, p=0.02). Infertile participants less practiced contraception (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.25-0.81, p=0.01) and protected sex (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.26-0.91, p=0.02). No significant difference in prevention practices among participants aware and unaware of acquired reproductive tract factor infertility (p>.05).
Conclusion: There was suboptimal awareness of acquired female reproductive tract factor infertility with poor preventive practices among attendees. This calls for concerted efforts through massive reproductive and sexual health campaigns and advocacy to improve awareness and health-seeking behavior in the setting.
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