P-574 Qualitative evaluation of fertility education for emerging adults in Denmark – a pilot study
Authors: Sylvest R , Koert E , Ziebe S , Steenberg M , Kiehn C , Peterson B , Schmidt L 
Published: June 2023

Study question

What are emerging adults’ attitudes towards fertility education?

Summary answer

Emerging adults find it relevant and important to learn about fertility from health professionals during high school.

What is known already

Women and men in many countries increasingly postpone family building. Studies have shown that people tend to underestimate the decline in fecundity with advancing age, overestimate the success rate of fertility treatment, and have insufficient knowledge on how to protect their fertility potential. Postponement of parenthood may be a consequence of insufficient knowledge about fertility. Fertility awareness interventions take a preventative focus with the goal of reducing future infertility and promoting informed decision-making so that people can meet their family building goals. Studies among emerging young adults in Denmark show they desire fertility education during their youth educational training.

Study design, size, duration

A fertility education intervention was conducted with the aim of teaching 250 emerging adults from high schools about fertility. The intervention was an interactive two-hour educational session provided by health professionals at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. The participants were educated in female and male fertility, fertility decline, myths about fertility and reproductive sustainability. Around one week later, semi-structured qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with some of the participants to evaluate the intervention.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The study participants (n = 20) were single or cohabiting men and women from six different high schools in Copenhagen, Denmark. Study participants were between 18 and 19 years old. The six focus group interviews were audiotaped, anonymized and transcribed in full. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis following the method by Graneheim and Lundman.

Main results and the role of chance

Overall, the participants found it very important and relevant to learn about fertility, and they wanted to know more about fertility and family building than was possible during this short intervention. The participants wanted to learn about fertility when they were at high school, so they have the information they need prior to starting their family in the future. They saw the importance of understanding the choices they make today and the effects this can have on their future fertility potential. It was important for them that the educational intervention was not a scare campaign, but an open discussion about fertility. Study participants asked for solutions at a structural societal level to make it easier for younger people in the 20’ies to start a family if so desired. Some of the emerging adults found the teaching language was too heteronormative, and this made it difficult for them to see themselves included. Engagement during the intervention and the possibility to ask questions to the teachers was important for the study participants. After the educational intervention, some of the participants started to reflect about their fertility, and some changed their intentions regarding their ideal age to have their first and last child.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The study participants had all chosen to be a part of this study. Attitudes towards family building, how we talk about fertility and family building is associated with societal and cultural context. Hence, emerging adults in other societal and cultural settings may have different needs and opinions on fertility education.

Wider implications of the findings

This study contributes to the understanding and implementation of future fertility awareness educational interventions and campaigns targeted to and effective among emerging adults. Hence, the findings can be useful in the process of increasing fertility awareness in this population.

Trial registration number

N/A