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Background <p>Infertility remains a major global reproductive health challenge and is highly stigmatized in many African societies. Despite the growing availability of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), utilization in low- and middle-income countries remains disproportionately low. In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 30% of women experience infertility; however, access to and acceptance of ART are limited by cultural, religious, financial, and informational barriers.</p> Objectives <p>This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of IVF, determine willingness to utilize IVF, identify the socio-demographic and clinical determinants influencing IVF uptake, and examine barriers affecting IVF utilization among women attending the fertility clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.</p> Materials and Methods <p>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 women attending the UBTH fertility clinic. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test), with statistical significance set at P &lt; 0.05. The internal consistency of the knowledge scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.78).</p> Results <p>The response rate was 98% (145/148). A high level of IVF knowledge was demonstrated by 89% of respondents, with an overall mean knowledge score of 85.5%. Most participants (89.7%) expressed willingness to utilize IVF if medically recommended. Statistically significant determinants of willingness included religious affiliation, tertiary education, duration of marital relationship, duration of infertility, and type of infertility (P &lt; 0.05). A significant association was also observed between knowledge level and willingness to utilize IVF (χ² = 14.299, P = 0.002). Financial constraints (mean = 3.75) constituted the greatest barrier to IVF uptake, followed by educational gaps (mean = 3.47), concerns regarding medical technology (mean = 3.10), and socioculturalfactors (mean = 2.66).</p> Conclusion <p>Women attending the UBTH fertility clinic demonstrated high levels of IVF knowledge and strong willingness to pursue treatment; however, actual uptake remains constrained by financial barriers, educational gaps, and socio-cultural concerns. Religious affiliation, educational attainment, type and duration of infertility, and duration of marital relationship were identified as key determinants influencing IVF uptake. Multifaceted policy interventions, including cost-reduction strategies, targeted public health education, and community-level engagement, are required to improve equitable access to fertility treatment in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.</p>

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Understanding the Uptake of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Determinants Among Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Nigeria

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月12日

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  • Aminat Muhammed Ali,
  • Onoriode Benjamin Akpobasa,
  • Musa Muhammed

摘要

Background

Infertility remains a major global reproductive health challenge and is highly stigmatized in many African societies. Despite the growing availability of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), utilization in low- and middle-income countries remains disproportionately low. In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 30% of women experience infertility; however, access to and acceptance of ART are limited by cultural, religious, financial, and informational barriers.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of IVF, determine willingness to utilize IVF, identify the socio-demographic and clinical determinants influencing IVF uptake, and examine barriers affecting IVF utilization among women attending the fertility clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 women attending the UBTH fertility clinic. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test), with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The internal consistency of the knowledge scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.78).

Results

The response rate was 98% (145/148). A high level of IVF knowledge was demonstrated by 89% of respondents, with an overall mean knowledge score of 85.5%. Most participants (89.7%) expressed willingness to utilize IVF if medically recommended. Statistically significant determinants of willingness included religious affiliation, tertiary education, duration of marital relationship, duration of infertility, and type of infertility (P < 0.05). A significant association was also observed between knowledge level and willingness to utilize IVF (χ² = 14.299, P = 0.002). Financial constraints (mean = 3.75) constituted the greatest barrier to IVF uptake, followed by educational gaps (mean = 3.47), concerns regarding medical technology (mean = 3.10), and socioculturalfactors (mean = 2.66).

Conclusion

Women attending the UBTH fertility clinic demonstrated high levels of IVF knowledge and strong willingness to pursue treatment; however, actual uptake remains constrained by financial barriers, educational gaps, and socio-cultural concerns. Religious affiliation, educational attainment, type and duration of infertility, and duration of marital relationship were identified as key determinants influencing IVF uptake. Multifaceted policy interventions, including cost-reduction strategies, targeted public health education, and community-level engagement, are required to improve equitable access to fertility treatment in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.