Fertility Awareness and Perceptions among Procreant Age Group in Western India: An Exploration with Mixed Methodology

BACKGROUND: In India, fertility rate demonstrates a descending trend whereas there is upsurge in infertility rate. In addition, a knowledge gap concerning fertility has been identified among the current generation. AIM: To quantify the fertility awareness and in-depth exploration of perceptions about fertility among procreant age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Explanatory mixed method design with sequential data collection, nested sampling technique was assumed. Purposive sampling was incorporated to recruit 1000 participants into the prospective cohort study. Awareness was measured using fertility knowledge questionnaire, while qualitative data were collected by in-depth interview of 28 participants until data saturation. The study was intact in terms of ethical compliance. RESULTS: Sociodemographic data revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 31.33 ± 6.4 years, 59.6% were female, 78.3% were married, 61.5% completed their university education, 76.0% were working. The mean of overall fertility awareness score was 50.2 ± 13.5. There was no statistical difference in responses of the subgroups (P > 0.05) and only educational status was significantly associated (P = 0.001*) with awareness scores. Perceptions pertinent to fertility were evidently varying amongst the general group and couples accessing fertility treatment, which subsequently was elucidated with the qualitative thematic analysis. CONCLUSION: Procreant age group of western India demonstrated low to average fertility awareness. Assertive recommendations were proposed for fertility awareness initiatives across both genders, irrespective of educational status.