Medical and non-medical faculty students’ attitudes to in vitro fertilisation

Introduction:
An increased need for methods of assisted reproduction associated with an ever more frequent problem of infertility in Poland sparks controversies in society. Infertility is a condition more and more frequently affecting couples of different ages trying to have a baby. According to international statistics, infertility affects 10-15% of couples of reproductive age. The aim of the study was to analyse beliefs of students regarding in vitro fertilisation in the treatment of infertility and how these attitudes are affected by the faculty (medical or non-medical), family status, religious denomination, society, and individual system of values.

Material and methods:
282 female and 43 male students of both medical and non-medical faculties in Poland, aged over 19 years, were enrolled in the study. The study was conducted with the use of a survey questionnaire collected in the period of 6 months (between November 2022 and April 2023). A standardised tool in the form of the list of personal values was also used to examine the correlation between the respondents’ system of values and their attitude to the method of in vitro fertilisation.

Results:
A positive attitude to in vitro fertilisation was dominant in the study group. No statistically significant associations were shown regarding marital status and faculty versus acceptance of in vitro fertilisation. Greater acceptance of in vitro fertilisation was observed among women (92.6%) than among men (76.7%). The subjects’ values had no effect on the level of acceptance of this method of fertilisation. A considerable impact on the respondents’ attitudes to the issues in the questions was exerted by the views of family and friends.

Conclusions:
The analysed population of Polish students shows a positive attitude towards the use of in vitro fertilisation. The authors’ own studies could be used as a base to develop a health education programme.