Enhancing Females’ Knowledge regarding Oocyte Cryopreservation: Effect of an Educational Program

Research Abstract

Background: Cryopreservation refers to the process of freezing and storing biological materials, including live cells, tissue, and reproductive materials like human gametes, embryos, and/or ovarian or testicular tissue, in order to halt all biological activity and maintain their viability. Aim: The current study was conducted to enhancing females’ knowledge regarding oocyte cryopreservation via an educational program. Subjects and Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Sample and Settings: A study from Beni-Suef University on a purposive sample consisted of 334 working females at Beni-Suef University. Tools: (I): A Structured Interviewing Questionnaire Sheet; (II): Females' knowledge regarding oocyte cryopreservation. Results: After the program implementation, 89.8% of females correctly answered the definition and types of egg freezing (OC) compared to 52.1% pre-program, 0.3% of studied females aged 20 to less than 30 years had a good knowledge score pre-program, which improved to 45.5% post-program. Also, 0.3% of single females had a good knowledge score pre-program, which increased to 48.2% post-program. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that after program implementation, the studied female workers at Beni-Suef University had marked improvement in knowledge regarding oocyte cryopreservation. Recommendations: Structured educational and counseling programs regarding oocyte cryopreservation should be provided by maternity nurses to females of reproductive age to make informed and timely decisions aligned with their future reproductive life.

Research Keywords

knowledge; oocyte cryopreservation; educational program