Fertility awareness and attitudes towards parenthood among Danish university college students

Abstract

BackgroundPostponing parenthood has steadily increased during the past decades in Western countries. This trend has affected the size of families in the direction of fewer children born per couple. In addition, higher maternal age is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications such as prematurity and foetal death, while higher paternal age increases the risk of miscarriage and affects time-to-pregnancy. Hence, understanding the circumstances and reflections that influence the decision is greatly needed and little is known about potential gender difference influencing the choice. The aim was to investigate attitudes towards parenthood, intentions for childbirth and knowledge about fertility issues among men and women. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study based on a validated 49-item questionnaire among students, who attended selected mandatory lectures at a Danish university college in February to April 2016. The participation rate was 99%, and 517 completed the questionnaire.ResultsThough the majority of all participants wished to have children in the future (>86%), there was significant difference between the genders (p = 0.002). Women rated having children to be more important than men did (p < 0.001), while men rated higher the likelihood of abstaining from having children if faced with infertility (p = 0.003). Knowledge about fertility issues was similar between genders including poor knowledge about the age-related decline in female fertility. While women found it more important to have children before being ‘too old’ (p = 0.04), still more than 40% of all respondents intended to have their last child after the age of 35 years. For both genders the most important prerequisite for parenthood was having a partner to share responsibility with. Perceived or experienced life changes related to parenthood were generally positive such as personal development.ConclusionThe majority of respondents wished to have children, but many desired to have these after the biological decline in female fertility. The moderate knowledge level among both genders uncovered in this study is of concern. Future research should address the potential link between fertility knowledge and planning of parenthood. We may benefit from intervention studies examining the effect of routine preconception care.

Investigating knowledge levels of university students about infertility

“…This finding of this investigation differs from that of previous studies performed with university students. In many studies knowledge levels of female students were reportedly higher [13,15,19] , however Sørensen et al [20] reported lack of any difference in knowledge levels between male, and female students. The difference favouring male students, was thought to be related to increased sexual experience, and higher frequency of sexual intercourse among male students.…”

Men's expectations and experiences of fertility awareness assessment and counseling

“…In the context of these factors, research suggests that men and women may also delay parenthood based on a lack of accurate information about the reproductive life span and the consequences of delaying parenthood . Recognizing men's role in decision‐making about timing of parenthood, several studies have examined men's fertility knowledge . These studies have shown that men have critical gaps in their knowledge on fertility issues and assisted reproduction.…”

“…These studies have shown that men have critical gaps in their knowledge on fertility issues and assisted reproduction. For example, men underestimate the impact of the age‐related decline in fertility in women and overestimate the success rates of fertility treatment . Men also lack knowledge about risks to fertility, the impact of age on male fertility, and the incidence of infertility …”

Maternal age and child morbidity: A Danish national cohort study

“…Among suggested reasons for postponing parenthood are the ability to prevent and plan pregnancy with simple and effective contraceptive methods, problems by finding a suitable partner, women pursuing education and career before parenthood, and increased prosperity [2]. …”