Abstract

Background: Infertility is a global issue causing a lot of psychological and social problems among couples. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the options available for couples who want children but cannot have them. This study aims to assess the level of awareness, perceptions and misconceptions of IVF among women of reproductive age group (WRAG) in Sokoto metropolis in north-western Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study involving 306 WRAG who were recruited using multistage sampling technique. Semi structured interviewer administered questionnaires was used and the data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.level of statistical significance was set ay p=0.05.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was a 26.7±6.85 year with less than half of the respondents having no living children. Majority, (74.2%) of the respondents were aware of and had a positive perception (69%) towards IVF. About 54% (157) of those who did not accept IVF gave religion and the high cost of the procedure as reasons for rejecting it. Fifty one percent of the respondents were willing to use In Vitro Fertilization if the need arose. Religion (χ2=4.726; df=1; p<0.04) and awareness of the availability of IVF services (χ2=5.393; df=1; p<0.023) were factors associated with the willingness to utilize IVF.

Conclusion: The respondents had good level of awareness and positive perception about IVF, with few of them willing to utilize it. Awareness of the availability of IVF services and religious beliefs were factors that influenced respondents’ willingness to utilize IVF services. Health care providers should try to explore ways to sensitize community, religious and traditional leaders in order to improve the attitude of the populace towards IVF service utilisation.

Keywords: In Vitro Fertilization, Women of reproductive age group, Perception, Misperception