BMC Women's Health (Oct 2024)

Fertility knowledge, childbearing intentions and attitudes towards social egg freezing: A study of female students of a private university in Kumasi, Ghana

  • Millicent Osaah,
  • Francis Jojo Moses Kodzo Damalie,
  • Vida Maame Kissiwaa Amoah,
  • Charles Mawunyo Senaya,
  • Herbert Ekoe Dankluvi,
  • Beatrice Yeboah,
  • Elikplim Adzo Damalie,
  • David Zawumya Kolbilla

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03387-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Background As women increasingly delay childbearing for educational and career pursuits, understanding the age-related decline in ovarian reserve becomes crucial to avoid infertility. Egg freezing offers a solution, extending the window for achieving pregnancy with a biological child. However, awareness and acceptance of age-related fertility decline and elective egg freezing vary across countries and social groups. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study investigates fertility awareness, childbearing intentions, and attitudes toward elective egg freezing among 138 undergraduate female students at a private university in Kumasi, Ghana. Data were collected via a Google App-based questionnaire. Results The majority of respondents were below 28 years old (76.3%), Christians (79.26%), and single (57. 78%). Many respondents overestimated their knowledge of age-related fertility decline, with almost half (48.89%) incorrectly believing it occurs after age 40. Primary sources of fertility education included health professionals, the Internet, and television. While most (62.96%) considered childbearing necessary, they would not have a child without a partner. Acceptance of donor egg in vitro fertilisation (IVF) varied based on circumstances, and a significant portion was open to donating their eggs (41.48%). Awareness of elective egg freezing was low, but nearly half (48.89%) expressed interest in it, primarily to retain the option for a biological child. The cost of elective egg freezing was a significant deterrent. Conclusions The study revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding age-related fertility decline and elective egg freezing among female university students in Kumasi. Most prefer having a biological child only with a partner. While few were open to donating their eggs or accepting the same to achieve a pregnancy, interest in elective egg freezing was notable, albeit hindered by cost. The study recommends enhanced education by health professionals using social media and television to address these gaps.

Keywords