Insights into the Knowledge and Barriers of Oncofertility Among Oncology Nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge level and identify barriers related to counseling patients with newly diagnosed cancer regarding fertility preservation (FP) issues among oncology nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of nurses caring for patients with cancer at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Validated questionnaires were used to assess nurses' knowledge and to determine barriers to counseling patients about FP issues. A total of 157 nurses completed the questionnaire with a mean age of 35.34 ± 6.77 years and the majority were females 138 (87.9%). Approximately 92.4% of the nurses did not attend educational sessions on FP. The mean knowledge was 12.86 ± 5.88, and the highest level of knowledge was in the domain of the causes of fertility impairment. Moreover, nurses reported higher mean scores in the barrier domain (45.44 ± 6.32) of confidence (12.96 ± 1.76) and self-awareness (15.03 ± 2.69). Female and non-Muslim nurses were more likely to have better knowledge. Oncology nurses reported having unsatisfactory knowledge of FP and experiencing several barriers to providing fertility information. We recommend that oncology nurses receive training regarding FP to adequately and confidently counsel these patients.