Knowledge, perceptions and counselling practices regarding vasectomy among Portuguese physicians: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess knowledge, perceptions and counselling practices regarding vasectomy among Portuguese physicians from Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) and General and Family Medicine (GFM) specialties.

Materials and methods: A national cross-sectional observational study was conducted using online structured questionnaires. Information on sociodemographic and professional characteristics, physicians' knowledge, perceptions, and counselling practices regarding vasectomy was collected. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Fisher, t-student, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 290 physicians were included - 136 OB/GYN (46.9%) and 154 GFM (53.1%). Self-perceived knowledge was mostly rated as acceptable (62.4%) or good (23.4%), without statistically significant differences between groups. A knowledge score was created based on 16 knowledge questions. OB/GYN physicians presented higher knowledge scores than GFM physicians (13.40 ± 1.96 vs. 12.65 ± 2.41; p = 0.008).

Conclusions: Portuguese physicians demonstrated a high proportion of correct responses and positive attitudes towards vasectomy. Nevertheless, OB/GYN presented higher knowledge scores. Persistent gaps in medical knowledge and structural barriers within female-centred contraceptive counselling may still limit the routine inclusion of vasectomy.