Knowledge of Zygote Cryopreservation among Female Lecturers in Universities in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the viral indices of stable family life and living in most societies is the capacity to procreate hence the need for examination of knowledge of female lecturers on possible ways to actualize it. The study investigated knowledge of oocyte cryopreservation among female lecturers in universities in Enugu State in a cross-sectional descriptive survey involving 171 female lecturers from six out of seven universities in Enugu State. Purposive and proportionate sampling procedures were used in selecting the six Universities and 171 female lecturers used for the study respectively. Self-administered questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection while data analysis was carried out with frequency counts and percentages. The results showed that female lecturers in universities in Enugu State had low level of knowledge on oocyte cryopreservation, reasons for oocyte cryopreservation and procedure involved in oocyte cryopreservation (36.49%;38.36%;30.29%). Furthermore, majority of the respondents were not knowledgeable enough in most of the medical health challenges that could necessitate oocyte cryopreservation. It was concluded that there is low level of knowledge on oocyte cryopreservation, reasons for oocyte cryopreservation as well as the procedures involved in oocyte cryopreservation among female lecturers in universities in Enugu State. The recommendation among others is that Clinicians should endeavor to discuss the possibility of oocyte cryopreservation for medical and elective purposes during clinical meetings especially for single women of child bearing age who may wish to delaying procreation. Consequently, there is the need to set up counseling centres in major cities and towns in Enugu State in order to allay women ‘s fears about possible unfavourable outcomes of the procedures.