Infertility knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of college students in Grenada

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess attitudes and extent of knowledge college students in Grenada have towards infertility. DESIGN AND METHODS: Hand-administered survey using a convenient sample. The sole college located on the island of Grenada T.A. Marryshow Community College. Five hundred and eight college students over the age of 16 participated in this study with females comprising 65.7% (n = 334). The main outcome measure was the level of knowledge on the causes and treatment options of infertility. RESULTS: There was a moderate level of knowledge among males and females with regards to the risk factors that may cause infertility. The majority of participants believed that God’s will and the power of prayer can cause and treat infertility. Overall, a greater proportion of female students answered more questions correctly in comparison to the male students. CONCLUSIONS: There is a notable lack of basic knowledge among Grenadian college students about the causes of infertility. Additionally, among these students, there is the perception that women are more susceptible to infertility than men. Education programs and community support groups are recommended to increase knowledge on the causes of infertility as well as decrease the stigma of this condition.