O-186 From knowing to helping-seeking: An examination of FertiSTAT and infertility-related treatment behaviours among Chinese female in Hong Kong
Authors: So Y K G , Chan C H Y 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Study question
Do fertility health risks predict Hong Kong Chinese women’s perceived susceptibility to infertility and engagement in treatment behaviours?

Summary answer
Presence of age-related, medical and lifestyle risk factors did not translate into actual infertility-related treatment behaviours among reproductive-aged women.

What is known already
The Health Belief Model posits that perceived susceptibility to a health condition determines whether one would engage in risk-reducing behaviour. There is yet to be large-scale studies that investigate the rate of fertility health risks among Hong Kong Chinese women. FertiSTAT is an empirically-derived tool that assesses risks to female fertility and provides personalised guidance on risk reduction. Using a Chinese version of the FertiSTAT, this study investigates the fertility risk profile of reproductive-aged women, for whom timely treatment-seeking would be especially pertinent. Additionally, we explore whether fertility health risks translate into awareness of personal susceptibility and actual treatment behaviours.

Study design, size, duration
This is a cross-sectional online survey conducted in Hong Kong between July and August 2020.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Five-hundred twenty-nine childless women (mean age = 29±6.6) were recruited to the study through community network and social media. Respondents completed the fertility status awareness tool (FertiSTAT) and questions relating to reproductive intention and help-seeking behaviour. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the impact of lifestyle-, medical- and age-related fertility health risks on perceived susceptibility and infertility-related treatment behaviours.

Main results and the role of chance
The fertility health risks most frequently reported by this sample of women were menstrual cycle irregularity (35%) and having stress one cannot cope with (26%). Among women who were trying to conceive (n = 67), 40% had been trying for over 12 months, exceeding the critical threshold for risks of infertility. More than one third of women suspected that they had an underlying risk of infertility, however only a small minority had ever taken steps to investigate the issue further by seeking medical support. Binary logistic regression revealed that women who experienced severe menstrual pains (B=-2.70, P&lt;.05) or who had excessive caffeine consumption (B=-3.27, P&lt;.05) were less likely to suspect that they had an underlying risk of infertility compared to when they had other risk factors. Prolonged time trying to conceive (B = 1.52, P&lt;.05) significantly predicted seeking gynaecological exam; whereas none of the fertility health risks had an impact on seeking medical consultation from a TCM practitioner.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Recruitment through social media may bias the sample towards women with greater access to online fertility-related information, posing questions on how generalizable the current findings are to less resourceful individuals. The relatively young age of the sample may also underestimate the rate of fertility health risks in the population.

Wider implications of the findings
Targeted public education initiatives are needed to raise awareness of the impact of not only age-related, but also medical and lifestyle risk factors on reproductive potential. Reproductive-aged women with fertility health risks should be alarmed of suspected infertility and be encouraged to seek proper medical examinations and treatments.

Trial registration number
not applicable