Background: Infertility is a common issue affecting many couples in India, yet there remains a significant lack of awareness and understanding about the condition. The present study aimed to describe the awareness about Infertility among general public in Himachal Pradesh. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional survey of residents of the state of Himachal Pradesh was carried out between Jan 2023 and March 2023 using Google forms. Until 400 replies were gathered, the questionnaire was distributed among state citizens in both rural and urban areas via email and social media sites such Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin. We collected data on their socio-demographic traits and awareness about Infertility. Epi info v7 software was used to evaluate the data using the necessary statistical tests. Results: A total of 400 respondents took part in the study, including 246 (61.5%) coming from rural areas and 154 (38.5%) from urban areas. In the present study 15.5% (62) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards infertility, 26.25% (105) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 34.5% (138) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 23.75% (95) having poor knowledge (<8 marks). Infertility, Awareness, General public, Himachal Pradesh Conclusion: In conclusion, there remains a significant lack of awareness and understanding about the condition among the general public. Raising awareness about infertility among the general public in India is crucial for improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by this common yet often misunderstood condition.
Infertility is a common issue affecting many couples in India, yet there remains a significant lack of awareness and understanding about the condition. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse, and it affects approximately 15% of couples in India. Despite its prevalence, many people remain uninformed about the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for infertility, which can lead to misconceptions and stigma surrounding the condition [1-5].
The lack of awareness about infertility among the general public in India can be attributed to several factors, including cultural taboos surrounding fertility and reproduction, limited access to accurate information and education about the topic, and the social and emotional burden of infertility. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increased emotional distress for couples struggling with infertility, and inadequate support from healthcare providers [6-8].
However, there is a growing need for increased awareness and education about infertility in India, as it can have significant impacts on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Greater understanding of the causes and risk factors for infertility, as well as the available treatment options, can help couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health and seek appropriate medical care when needed. Additionally, reducing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding infertility can improve access to support and resources for those affected by the condition [9-10].
Overall, raising awareness about infertility among the general public in India is crucial for improving the health and well-being of individuals and families, and for reducing the social and emotional burden of infertility. By increasing understanding and education about the condition, we can help to reduce the stigma surrounding infertility and provide better support and resources for those affected by this common yet often misunderstood condition [2,12].
Numerous researches have been conducted on infertility in various regions of India, but very few of these studies have been conducted in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which general public in the state were aware of infertility.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the awareness about infertility among general public in Himachal Pradesh
Research Methodology
Research Approach – Descriptive
Research Design – Cross-sectional survey design
Study area – Whole state of Himachal Pradesh
Study duration – between Jan 2023 and March 2023
Study Population
People having age above 18 years and who were staying in the Himachal Pradesh for 12 months or more.
Sample Size
An exact number of 400 respondents assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding infertility, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non-response rate.
Study Tool
A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and infertility was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of people to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents.
Description of Tool
Demographic Data Survey Instrument
The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire contains 20 structured questions regarding knowledge about infertility having three options i.e. Yes, No & Don’t Know. The participants have to choose right one. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero in each category. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as:
>80% (16-20) = very good
60-79% (12-15) =Good
41-59% (8-11) =Fair
<40% (< 8) =poor
Validity of tool - by the experts in this field
Data Collection
Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated via online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn among general public in both rural and urban area of Himachal Pradesh till the 400 responses were collected.
Data analysis- Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage.
Ethical Considerations
Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained.
The goal of the current study was to assess the awareness about infertility among general public in Himachal Pradesh through a non-experimental descriptive survey. A total of 400 respondents took part in the study, including 246 (61.5%) coming from rural areas and 154 (38.5%) from urban areas.
In the present study 15.5% (62) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards infertility, 26.25% (105) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 34.5% (138) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 23.75% (95) having poor knowledge (<8 marks).
Infertility is a growing issue in India, affecting approximately 15% of couples. Despite its prevalence, there remains a significant lack of awareness and understanding about the condition among the general public. This lack of awareness can lead to misconceptions, stigma, and delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can have significant impacts on individuals and families [10-12].
One of the main reasons for the lack of awareness about infertility in India is cultural taboos surrounding fertility and reproduction. There is often a great deal of pressure on couples to conceive, and infertility can be seen as a personal failure or a sign of weakness. As a result, many people may not seek medical care or support for infertility, which can lead to negative health outcomes [7-8].
In addition, limited access to accurate information and education about infertility can also contribute to the lack of awareness about the condition. Many people may not have access to comprehensive sex education, which can make it difficult to understand the causes and risk factors for infertility. Additionally, healthcare providers may not have adequate training or resources to diagnose and treat infertility, which can further perpetuate the lack of awareness and stigma surrounding the condition [2,13].
However, there are steps that can be taken to increase awareness and understanding of infertility in India. One of the most important is to reduce the stigma and misconceptions surrounding infertility. This can be achieved through public education campaigns, media outreach, and advocacy efforts to promote open and honest dialogue about infertility [7,11].
Additionally, improving access to accurate information and resources can also help to increase awareness about infertility. This can include providing
Table-1: Knowledge regarding infertility among study participants
| S.No. | Statements | Correct Responses | Percent |
| Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex. | 234 | 58.5 | |
| Infertility affects both men and women, and can be caused by a variety of factors. | 236 | 59 | |
| Female infertility can be caused by ovulation disorders, tubal factors, endometriosis, uterine factors, and age-related decline in fertility. | 199 | 49.75 | |
| Male infertility can be caused by abnormal sperm production or function, problems with the delivery of sperm, and lifestyle factors. | 201 | 50.25 | |
| Infertility can also be caused by genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders. | 201 | 50.25 | |
| Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity can also contribute to infertility. | 278 | 69.5 | |
| Infertility can be diagnosed through a series of tests including a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and semen analysis. | 301 | 75.25 | |
| Treatments for infertility depend on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). | 221 | 55.25 | |
| ART includes techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), egg donation, and gestational surrogacy. | 176 | 44 | |
| IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus. | 198 | 49.5 | |
| IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. | 202 | 50.5 | |
| Egg freezing is a technique that can preserve a woman's fertility by freezing her eggs for later use. | 213 | 53.25 | |
| Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a technique used to screen embryos for genetic disorders prior to transfer during an IVF cycle. | 156 | 39 | |
| Fertility preservation options are available for individuals undergoing cancer treatment that may damage their reproductive organs. | 123 | 30.75 | |
| Adoption and donor conception are alternative family-building options for individuals who are unable to conceive. | 289 | 72.25 | |
| Counseling and support services are available for individuals and couples experiencing infertility. | 283 | 70.75 | |
| The emotional toll of infertility can be significant and may include feelings of grief, guilt, and shame. | 262 | 65.5 | |
| Infertility treatment can be costly, and financial assistance may be available through insurance coverage or other resources. | 275 | 68.75 | |
| Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve fertility outcomes. | 284 | 71 | |
| Seeking early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. | 298 | 74.5 |
Table 2: Knowledge score regarding infertility among study participants
| Category (Marks) | Frequency (n=400) | % |
| V. Good (16-20) | 62 | 15.5 |
| Good (12-15) | 105 | 26.25 |
| Fair (8-11) | 138 | 34.5 |
| Poor (<8) | 95 | 23.75 |
Maximum =20 Minimum=6
comprehensive sex education in schools, increasing access to fertility clinics and healthcare providers with specialized training in infertility, and promoting research and innovation in the field of reproductive health [14-16].
Overall, increasing awareness about infertility among the general public in India is crucial for improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by this common yet often misunderstood condition. By reducing stigma and promoting education and resources, we can help to ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need to achieve their reproductive goals [7,13,14].
Limitations of the study
The present study has certain limitations such as cross sectional in nature, and small sample size that made difficult to generalize the findings. Future research should be focused on larger sample and qualitative studies such as focus group interviews to identify barriers to promote appropriate knowledge about infertility.
In conclusion, there remains a significant lack of awareness and understanding about the condition among the general public. Raising awareness about infertility among the general public in India is crucial for improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by this common yet often misunderstood condition. This can be achieved through public education campaigns, advocacy efforts, and improving access to accurate information and resources. By reducing stigma, promoting education and resources, and addressing the social and emotional impacts of infertility, we can help to ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need to achieve their reproductive goals.
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