Working Females’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention at Beni-Suef University regarding Oocyte Cryopreservation: Effect of an Educational Program

Background: Nowadays, an emerging oocyte freezing technology can offer some protection for women against the loss of fertility with aging and may be advised or recommended as a remedy for infertility issues. Aim: The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an educational program on females working at Beni-Suef University regarding knowledge, attitude, and intention regarding oocyte cryopreservation. Subjects and Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Sample and Settings: A study from Beni-Suef University on a purposive sample consisted of 334 working females at Beni-Suef University. Tools: Four data collection tools were used to carry out the current study: (I): A Structured Interviewing Questionnaire Sheet; (II): Females' knowledge regarding oocyte cryopreservation; (III): Females' attitudes regarding oocyte cryopreservation; (IV): Females' intention regarding oocyte cryopreservation. Results: It reveals that 72.8% & 51.8% of the studied sample delayed marriage or childbearing to complete their studies or work. After program implementation, knowledge improved from 8.62±3.78 to 9.21±2.24. Females’ attitude toward oocyte preservation after program implementation improved to 48.52±4.66 compared to 36.83±4.87 preprogram. Working females’ intention regarding oocyte preservation after program implementation is 21.89±2.15 as compared to 19.74±2.98 preprogram. Using the chi-square test revealed highly significant statistical differences between females’ overall knowledge, attitude, and intentions pre- and post-program implementation (P=0.000). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that after program implementation, the studied female workers at Beni-Suef University had marked improvement in knowledge, attitude, and intention regarding oocyte cryopreservation compared to before program implementation. Recommendations: To increase knowledge about fertility preservation and its possible advantages for future quality of life, oocyte cryopreservation should be incorporated into premarital counseling in various maternity and child health (MCH) facilities.