Undergraduate students have low fertility knowledge and high anxiety regarding future fertility: An opportunity for education

Assessment of Reproductive Health Knowledge Among College Students in Northwestern India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Reproductive health knowledge is a critical aspect of overall well-being, particularly among college students who represent a demographic transitioning into adulthood. In northwestern India, where cultural nuances and societal perceptions play a significant role, understanding the factors influencing reproductive health knowledge becomes imperative. This cross-sectional study explores the interplay between demographic factors and awareness of reproductive health and infertility treatment among college students in northwestern India. Methods A diverse sample of 564 college students in northwestern India participated in the study, providing information on key demographic variables, including age, gender, marital status, degree, field of study, and college year. Statistical analysis, including the calculation of p-values, was employed to determine the significance of associations between these demographic factors and the participants' knowledge of reproductive health. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and numbers, were calculated to present a comprehensive overview of the data. To evaluate the significance of associations, chi-square tests were conducted for categorical variables such as age, gender, marital status, degree, field of study, and college year. The p-values were computed to determine the statistical significance of observed relationships, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results The study uncovered notable findings with implications for targeted interventions. Among age groups, participants aged 23-25 exhibited the highest knowledge percentage at 43.22% (51/564), and this association was statistically significant (p = 0.042). Gender disparities were evident, with females showing higher awareness (46.52% (127/564)) compared to males, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Marital status revealed significant differences (p = 0.0012), particularly in single individuals who demonstrated a knowledge percentage of 46.52% (127/564). Significant variations were observed based on the degree held, with doctorate holders having the highest awareness at 49.15% (58/564) (p = 0.01). Field of study significantly influenced knowledge (p = 0.0001), particularly in medical and engineering disciplines. College year also exhibited significance (p = 0.003), with the first-year students demonstrating a knowledge percentage of 42.20% (73/564). Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of tailored educational interventions and targeted awareness campaigns. Recognizing the influence of demographic factors on reproductive health knowledge is crucial for developing effective strategies that address the specific needs of college students in northwestern India, promoting a more informed approach to reproductive health and infertility treatment.

Balancing career goals and parenthood desires: results from a survey of undergraduate pre-health students at a hispanic-serving institution in Texas

OBJECTIVE

To examine family planning and fertility experiences and views, as well as desired parenthood timing and career plans, of diverse undergraduate pre-health students.

PARTICIPANTS

266 pre-health undergraduate students attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution in South Texas.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey with a purposive sample of undergraduate students and analyzed data descriptively.

RESULTS

Most students desired children in the future but were concerned about planning the timing of parenthood against their career training. The results highlight the need to improve both family planning and fertility knowledge, based on a high unmet need for contraceptives, low perceived knowledge about fertility/infertility treatment, and a desire to learn more about planning the timing of their career training alongside parenthood.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights potential gaps in reproductive health information and services among diverse, health-focused students needed to inform choices about the timing of their families and career training.

Epigenetic aging of mammalian gametes

The process of aging refers to physiological changes that occur to an organism as time progresses and involves changes to DNA, proteins, metabolism, cells, and organs. Like the rest of the cells in the body, gametes age, and it is well established that there is a decline in reproductive capabilities in females and males with aging. One of the major pathways known to be involved in aging is epigenetic changes. The epigenome is the multitude of chemical modifications performed on DNA and chromatin that affect the ability of chromatin to be transcribed. In this review, we explore the effects of aging on female and male gametes with a focus on the epigenetic changes that occur in gametes throughout aging. Quality decline in oocytes occurs at a relatively early age. Epigenetic changes constitute an important part of oocyte aging. DNA methylation is reduced with age, along with reduced expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Histone deacetylases (HDAC) expression is also reduced, and a loss of heterochromatin marks occurs with age. As a consequence of heterochromatin loss, retrotransposon expression is elevated, and aged oocytes suffer from DNA damage. In sperm, aging affects sperm number, motility and fecundity, and epigenetic changes may constitute a part of this process. 5 methyl-cytosine (5mC) methylation is elevated in sperm from aged men, but methylation on Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements is reduced. Di and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3) is reduced in sperm from aged men and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is elevated. The protamine makeup of sperm from aged men is also changed, with reduced protamine expression and a misbalanced ratio between protamine proteins protamine P1 and protamine P2. The study of epigenetic reproductive aging is recently gaining interest. The current status of the field suggests that many aspects of gamete epigenetic aging are still open for investigation. The clinical applications of these investigations have far-reaching consequences for fertility and sociological human behavior.