Information and opinions of healthcare professionals on the protection of fertility

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and opinions of healthcare workers about the protection of fertility and the factors affecting them. Materials and Methods: Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital (gynecology service, medical oncology service and urology service),T.C. Ministry of Health Aydın Provincial Health Directorate Atatürk State Hospital (urology service and medical oncology service), T.C. Ministry of Health Aydın Provincial Health Directorate Aydın State Hospital (urology service), T.C. Ministry of Health Aydın Provincial Health Directorate Aydın Gynecology and Children's Diseases Hospital (polyclinics, obstetrics and gynecology emergency service, delivery room, obstetrics service, obstetrics and gynecology operating room, gynecology service), 146 nurses, 50 midwives and 74 physicians. The research data were collected between November 2022 and June 2023 with a questionnaire prepared by the researcher. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: It was found that 70% of the healthcare workers who participated in the study had adequate knowledge score for fertility preservation. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the adequate knowledge score and occupation, the unit of work and those who received training on fertility protection. No statistically significant difference was found between gender and age and having adequate knowledge score. 51.1% of the participants stated that they did not know their roles regarding fertility preservation options and 48.5% stated that they did not know where to refer their patients for fertility preservation procedures. Seventy per cent of the participants were undecided about the necessity of discussing fertility preservation methods with patients undergoing cancer treatment and at risk for fertility loss. There was a significant difference between the occupation of the healthcare professionals and their previous education on fertility preservation and their views on fertility preservation. There was no significant difference between the age status and the views of health care workers on fertility preservation. Conclusion: In the light of the information obtained as a result of the study, it was seen that the participants had sufficient knowledge scores for the protection of fertility. It was determined that occupation and education status affected the knowledge scores the most. It was seen that the majority of healthcare professionals responded to the opinion questions on fertility preservation in a way that supported fertility preservation. It was found that occupation and education status affected the opinions of health workers about fertility preservation.