Factors associated with intention to undergo elective oocyte cryopreservation among unmarried nurses in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study examined intention to undergo elective oocyte cryopreservation (EOC) among unmarried nurses younger than 40 years and identified factors associated with EOC intention.Methods: This descriptive correlational study used a cross-sectional survey design and was conducted from September 12 to September 30, 2025 at a tertiary hospital in Busan, South Korea. The participants were 159 unmarried nurses. Attitudes toward EOC, procedural burden, ethical concerns, health-related concerns, and EOC knowledge were measured using a modified Fertility Preservation Survey. EOC intentions were assessed using a visual analog scale. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.Results: Participants reported a moderate level of EOC intention. EOC intention differed significantly by age, with nurses in their 20s reporting higher scores than those in their 30s (t=3.19, p=.002). EOC intention was positively correlated with attitudes toward EOC (r=.53, p<.001) and negatively correlated with health-related concerns (r=–.26, p=.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, greater EOC intention was significantly associated with more positive attitudes toward EOC (β=.47, p<.001), lower health-related concerns (β=–.23, p=.003), and younger age (β=–.21, p=.009). The model explained 32.0% of the variance.Conclusion: Early, evidence-based education and counseling that strengthen positive attitudes toward EOC and directly address health-related concerns may help unmarried nurses make informed reproductive decisions.