Dilek Yelda Kagnici
Ege University, Turkey
Title: Investigating university students’ attitudes towards Infertility in terms of sociodemographic variables
Biography
Biography: Dilek Yelda Kagnici
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Infertility is the inability to reproduce after twelve months or longer unprotected sexual relationship. Although infertility is not a life threatening illness, it is considered as a serious problem for both the individual and the society. At this point, the importance of examining attitudes towards infertility is critical. Negative attitudes towards infertility may postpone individual’s help-seeking behaviors. The aim of this study is to investigate university students attitudes towards infertility in terms of socio-demographic variables (gender, age, taking sexual health education, existence of an infertile individual in the social network, plans about having child and behaviors about health).
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The sample of the study was 9693 university students attending 21 universities in Turkey. Of the 9693 students, 51.6% (n=5002) were female, 48.4% (n=4691) were male. The data was collected by Attitudes toward Infertility Scale developed by researchers and Personal Information Form.
Findings: It was found that female students, students who had sexual health education, who have sexual relationship experience, who have an infertile individual in their social networks, who have child plans, who have high caffeine usage and who use alcohol regularly have more positive attitudes towards infertility. On the other hand, attitudes towards infidelity did not show significant differences in terms of age and cigarette usage.
Conclusion & Significance: When the results of the study were evaluated in general, it was seen that university student’s attitudes towards infertility were negative. The attitudes of students who have high caffeine and alcohols usage were high. It can be considered that these students are aware that their social habits are risky. Female student’s positive attitudes might be explained by their gender role. The results point out that in order to decrease university student’s negative attitudes towards infertility, there is a necessity to develop preventive programs in universities.