Publication:

A study to assess knowledge and attitude of infertile Kashmiri couples

Background Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive naturally after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The chance to conceive depends on multiple factors like the length of sexual intercourse, frequency of coitus and age of couples. This could be due to male as well as female factors and deficiencies.

Methods This is a cross sectional observational study conducted on infertility patients. A fertility questionnaire was designed for both the partners with questions covering knowledge and attitude towards infertility.

Results A total 100 couples were selected in which prevalence of primary and secondary infertility was 72% and 28% respectively. The mean duration of infertility was 3 years. On scoring their level of knowledge, 52% had inadequate knowledge, 44% had moderate knowledge and 4% had adequate knowledge. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge in relation to their educational qualification and type of infertility among participants.

Conclusions Infertility is common problem affecting 10-15% of the population. The knowledge about infertility and its risk factors is generally limited among the participants, in spite of their educational status.