The Perception and Acceptance of In Vitro Fertilization amongst Infertile Couples Attending Fertility Clinic in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Choba in Rivers State

Abstract

In vitro fertilization is a treatment for infertility in which a woman’s egg (ovum or ova) are fertilized by spermatozoa in a laboratory dish, one or more of the fertilized egg (embryo) are then transferred into the woman’s uterus where it is planted to produce a pregnancy. This research study investigated the perception and acceptance of in vitro fertilization amongst infertile couples attending fertility clinics in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Choba in Rivers State. The objectives were: to ascertain the opinion of couples on in vitro fertilization procedure, to determine the level of acceptance of in vitro fertilization among couples and to identify challenges facing the acceptance of in-vitro fertilization amongst couples. Related literature was reviewed. Theory of Reason Action (TRA) was adopted in this study. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used in the study. The target population consisted of 130 couples, 99 was determined as the sample size using Taro Yemen formula. The instrument for data collection was a self-structure questionnaire consisting of section A and section B consisting of 12 items that elicited information for the research questions. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage and mean. The findings reveal that 94 respondents are of the opinion that in vitro fertilization is very expensive, 89 respondents said it involves rigorous activities, 13 respondents believed that pregnancy can be achieved through IVF while 74 respondents said it does not affect their religion. In the acceptance of in vitro fertilization, 91 respondents easily accept other means of conception, 86 have attempted IVF previously, 67 male partners do not accept IVF and 19 female partners do not accept IVF. The challenges reveal that 67 respondents lack support from the male partner. 11 respondents believe that religion hinders the acceptance of IVF, 64 respondents see it to be time-consuming and 87 respondents do not lack respect in society. The researcher recommended that awareness should be created for the public through the media, to enable infertile respondents to have an understanding of the procedure. We however recommend that the study be carried out in other states on the perception and acceptance of in vitro fertilization among couples.