Singapore, like many developed countries, is experiencing low birth rates, which is coupled with increasing age at first marriage and birth. In addition, demand for assisted reproduction technology treatments has increased over the years. Fertility awareness surveys have consistently shown that public awareness of age-related fertility decline and the limitations of fertility treatments is generally low, and this may lead to couples not optimising their fertility potential to achieve their family aspirations. This trial aims to study the effect of fertility health screening and fertility awareness tools on knowledge, attitudes and practice around childbearing among young Singaporean married couples.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
841
Basic fertility health screening comprising an anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test and semen analysis, a doctor's consultation to explain the results, and standardised reproductive counselling by a trained nurse comprising a discussion of reproductive plans (including addressing barriers the couple face), education on age-related fertility decline and limitations of artificial reproductive technologies, advice on the optimal reproductive timing and when to seek further help. An educational brochure will be handed to the couple during the counselling session.
Online intervention consisting of 1) video targeting fertility education and specific attitudes, social norms and perceived control for having children, 2) a fertility awareness tool (FERTISTAT) and 3) an educational brochure on fertility. This intervention can be self-administered and is therefore easily scalable.
Singapore General Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Change in parenthood intentions
The difference in the female partner's intended age at first birth at 6 months post-randomization compared to baseline, elicited by a direct question in pre and post-questionnaires.
Time frame: Baseline (before intervention) and 6 months later
Change in fertility awareness
The difference in fertility awareness as measured by the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS) at 6 months post-randomization compared to baseline. The CFKS is a 13-item scale where each correct answer is assigned 1 point. Points are summed and converted to the % correct fertility knowledge score with a range of 0 - 100%.
Time frame: Baseline (before intervention) and 6 months later
Conception efforts
Proportion of couples who are (a) attempting to conceive, (b) pregnant, (c) who pursued more comprehensive fertility screening and/or (d) who pursued fertility treatment.
Time frame: 6 moths post-randomization
Birth number
Number of births
Time frame: 2 and 3 years post-randomization
Birth timing
Time to first birth
Time frame: 2 and 3 years post-randomization
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