Awareness, intentions, and attitudes towards social elective oocyte cryopreservation among female staff in assisted reproductive technology units in Athens, Greece

Aim

The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge level and beliefs of healthcare professionals working in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) units in Athens, regarding Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation (POC).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2024 among 105 female staff at two major ART units in Athens: Institute of Life IASO, IASO Maternity Hospital and the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis unit, Mitera Maternity Hospital. Participants completed anonymized questionnaires, adapted from Kim’s et al.(1)study on oocyte cryopreservation awareness, with written permission. The questionnaire was professionally translated into Greek and underwent a formal validation process. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results

Among the 91 respondents (86.7 % response rate), 97.8 % were aware of POC. Younger age (p = 0.018), higher income (p = 0.024), and postgraduate education were associated with a greater likelihood of considering oocyte cryopreservation. Medical counselling was significantly associated with consideration of POC (p = 0.001), while those informed through educational lectures were more likely to view it positively. Despite professional exposure, only half had received fertility counselling. Participants were divided into two groups: those who had considered egg freezing (N = 46) and those who had not (N = 45). There were significant differences in age, income, education level, and information sources between groups.

Conclusion

This study highlights that ART professionals in Greece support a woman’s right to freeze her eggs for social reasons and strongly endorse the need for fertility counselling during OB/GYN visits. Structured education and clinical guidance appear critical in shaping attitudes toward POC.