Journal of Psychiatry

Investigating University students attitudes towards infertility in terms of socio-demographic variables

20^th Euro Congress on Psychiatrists and Psychologists

August 07-08, 2017 | Rome, Italy

Dilek Yelda Kagnici, Digdem M Siyez, Secil Seymenler, Bahar Baran, Erol Esen, Bariscan Ozturk and Ender Siyez

Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey
Ege University, Turkey
Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkey
Buca State Hospital, Turkey

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Infertility is the inability to reproduce after twelve months or longer unprotected sexual relationship. Although infertility is not a life threatening illness, it is considered as a serious problem for both the individual and the society. At this point, the importance of examining attitudes towards infertility is critical. Negative attitudes towards infertility may postpone individual�??s help-seeking behaviors. The aim of this study is to investigate university students attitudes towards infertility in terms of socio-demographic variables (gender, age, taking sexual health education, existence of an infertile individual in the social network, plans about having child and behaviors about health). Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The sample of the study was 9693 university students attending 21 universities in Turkey. Of the 9693 students, 51.6% (n=5002) were female, 48.4% (n=4691) were male. The data was collected by Attitudes toward Infertility Scale developed by researchers and Personal Information Form. Findings: It was found that female students, students who had sexual health education, who have sexual relationship experience, who have an infertile individual in their social networks, who have child plans, who have high caffeine usage and who use alcohol regularly have more positive attitudes towards infertility. On the other hand, attitudes towards infidelity did not show significant differences in terms of age and cigarette usage. Conclusion & Significance: When the results of the study were evaluated in general, it was seen that university student�??s attitudes towards infertility were negative. The attitudes of students who have high caffeine and alcohols usage were high. It can be considered that these students are aware that their social habits are risky. Female student�??s positive attitudes might be explained by their gender role. The results point out that in order to decrease university student�??s negative attitudes towards infertility, there is a necessity to develop preventive programs in universities.
This study was supported by TUBİTAK 215K001 project named �??Examining University Students�?? Infertility Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Infertility and Developing and Evaluating Infertility Prevention Psycho-Education Program and Online Education Program�?�. We thank T�?BİTAK for the support.

Biography :

Dilek Yelda Kagnici, completed her bachelor degree in 1997, graduate degree in 1999 and doctorate degree in 2004 in Middle East Technical University, Guidance and Counseling Program. She worked as a counselor in METU Health Center between 1998 and 2000. Between 2001 and 2003 she worked as an intern counselor in Incarnate Word University Counseling Center, USA. Since 2004 she has been working as a faculty member in Guidance and Counseling program in Ege University. Her research interests are counselor training and supervision, multicultural counseling and adaptation of international students.

Email: yelda.kagnici@gmail.com