ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the
prevalence of successful
assisted reproductive technology and to identify the associated factors.
METHODS:
This
population-based
birth cohort study was carried out with 4,333
pregnant women expected to deliver in 2015 in the
urban area of Pelotas, Southern
Brazil. Use of an
assisted reproductive technology procedure, type of
assisted reproductive technology [
in vitro fertilization or
intracytoplasmic sperm injection or
artificial insemination], number of
embryos transferred, success of
embryo transfer, number of attempts, and reported reasons for seeking
assisted reproductive technology were the main outcomes measured. Use of an
assisted reproductive technology procedure was analyzed according to sociodemographic, nutritional,
reproductive history, and behavioral characteristics. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed by
logistic regression.
RESULTS:
Among the 4,275
newborns enrolled in the Pelotas 2015
Birth Cohort Study, 18
births (0.4%) were conceived by
assisted reproductive technology. Most cases of
assisted reproductive technology were by
in vitro fertilization (70.6%). All cycles were performed in private clinics under direct
out-of-pocket payment. Even after controlling for confounders,
maternal age > 35 years,
nulliparity and high
family monthly
income were strongly associated with
assisted reproductive technology.
CONCLUSIONS:
The use of
assisted reproductive technology services was reported by only a few
women in the Pelotas 2015
Birth Cohort Study. Our study highlights
sociodemographic factors associated to
assisted reproductive technology procedures. To better understand the patterns and barriers in overall use of
assisted reproductive technology services over
time, national-level trend studies in
assisted reproductive technology treatments and outcomes, as well as studies exploring the characteristics of
women who have sought this kind of
treatment are needed in low-
middle income countries.