Awareness and Perceived Efficacy of the Utilization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies among

Women Attending Infertility Clinics in Lahore, Pakistan

Shahida Parveen1 ; Prof. Dr. Samina Kausar2 , Tanzeel Ul Rahman3 , Shazia Saleem4

MS Nursing Scholar, Institute of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

HoD, Institute of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

Vice Principal/Associate Professor, PKLI Institute of Nursing and AHS Lahore, Pakistan.

MS Nursing Scholar, Institute of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan.

Corresponding Author: Shahida Parveen,Institute of Nursing, University of Health Sciences.

Abstract

Background: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) refers to procedures that involve the

manipulation of human eggs and sperm, or embryos, outside the body in order to achieve pregnancy.

ART has been reported to help reduce the impact of infertility, which affects around 48.5 million couples

globally. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) offer hope and the possibility of parenthood to

couples. This study thus explored the level of awareness, perceived efficacy of the utilization of ARTs

among women attending infertility Clinics of tertiary care hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenient sampling technique was

used in selecting for data collection. The self-administered questionnaire contains four sections with

section A to C bordering on demographics, awareness, perceived efficacy of utilization of ART

respectively. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.

Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for the presentation of results.

Results: Two hundred and eight infertile women with infertility problems participated in the study. Out

of 208 infertile women, 126 indicated that they were aware of ART. Among the 126 participants, over

half (54%) had an average level of awareness, 36% had a good level of awareness, and only 10% had apoor level of awareness. The majority of participants, 95 (75.4%), demonstrated a high level of perceived

efficacy, while 31 (24.6%) perceived a low level of efficacy of the utilization of ART.

Conclusion: The findings of the current study revealed that majority of the women had average level of

awareness about ART and perceived that ART is efficacious. Lack of support by government, cost, Poor

knowledge, multiple hospital visits and painful ART procedure were the prevalent factors affecting the

utilization of ART. Superior emphasis should be placed on the benefits of ART within communities. With

government financial support and reduced costs, women in need of ART may have better access to these

treatments.

Key words: Assisted reproductive technology, Infertility, Awareness on ART, Perceived efficacy