A cross-sectional survey of fertility knowledge in obstetrics and gynecology residents
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(2020) 6:22
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
A cross-sectional survey of fertility knowledge in obstetrics and gynecology residents Leah May Roberts1* , Rashmi Kudesia2,3, Huaqing Zhao4, Shaliz Dolan1 and Marisa Rose1
Abstract Background: To evaluate fertility knowledge among current Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) residents using a recently published validated instrument, the Fertility and Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS). Methods: OB-GYN residents in the United States were recruited through an email to all residency coordinators nationwide. They were asked to voluntarily respond to a short questionnaire including demographic information and the FIT-KS instrument, through an online survey platform. Of approximately 5000 OB-GYN residents in the country, 177 responded. Results: The sample was 91% female, with 69% between the ages of 26 and 30. Participants evenly represented all 4 years of training. Mean FIT-KS score was 21.2 (73% correct; range 17–26). No statistically significant differences were noted across the level of training. Several knowledge gaps were noted. Residents could define the common assisted reproductive technologies; however overestimated their success rates per cycle. Conclusions: Substantial gaps exist in fertility knowledge among OB-GYN residents, with understanding of male fertility and success rates of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) being particularly limited. Knowledge of fertility does not change throughout residency training, demonstrating consistent gaps in fertility knowledge. Knowledge during post graduate year (PGY)-1 year is consistent with mean scores found in prior research in Internal Medicine residents (65%), as well as a cohort of female medical students and obstetrics and gynecology residents and fellows (64.9%) (Fertil Steril 108:711-7, 2017; Fertil Steril 110:e239, 2018). Keywords: Fertility, Fertility awareness, Infertility, Medical education, Residency education
Background Age related fertility decline has been highlighted in recent years in the popular media, however misconceptions still exist among the general public. Approximately 48.5 million couples worldwide experience infertility but the majority of the population does not understand natural fertility and age related fertility decline [1]. Prior research has demonstrated consistently low rates of fertility * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Temple University Hospital at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3401 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
knowledge in international populations, in reproductiveaged women, and across educational spectra [2–4]. Until recently, however, there has not been an instrument validated in the U.S. for measuring fertility knowledge. In the general population, criteria for infertility diagnosis are met by approximately 12.5% of women [5]. Women with higher educational attainment and occupational status were more
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