Abstract:
This study determined the knowledge, attitudes, and treatment-seeking behavior
of Filipino men and women with fertility problems. Participants were 386 clinically
diagnosed infertile Filipino men and women consulting in selected private and
government healthcare facilities in Metro Manila from August to September 2006. A
self-administered survey questionnaire that assessed knowledge and attitudes about
infertility, and questions related to the treatment-seeking behavior of patients at both
initial consultation and subsequent treatment, was utilized. The results indicated that
there was generally low knowledge about various infertility issues. Statistical
significance was found only among groups classified by educational attainment, and no
apparent trends with age and income level were seen. Attitude was moderate, although no
significant differences were found in all groups. Seventy five percent (75%) of the 386
respondents sought medical consultation within 2 years of marriage. Males wanted to
have children earlier, but females decided to seek help earlier than males when pregnancy
is not achieved. Older respondents sought treatment earlier than their younger
counterparts. Financial sustenance was the primary factor for decisions to continue with
treatment after an initial failure. Those with higher income considered the potential
chances for success as their primary motivation to continue treatment. These findings
hoped to provide the necessary data to guide clinicians and health policymakers with
regard to the effective management of couples or individuals with fertility problems.
