Knowledge, attitude and practice on ovarian reserve function among women of childbearing age: a prospective cross-sectional study in Chongqing and surrounding regions

Objectives To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) on ovarian reserve function among women of childbearing age in Chongqing and surrounding regions, China. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Chongqing and surrounding regions, China. Participants Women of childbearing age (18-48 years) by convenience sampling. Primary and secondary outcome measures The demographic characteristics of the respondents and their KAP on ovarian reserve function were collected by administering 38-item questionnaires. Results A total of 510 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean knowledge score of all respondents was 7.56 +/- 2.03 (possible range: 0-10), the mean attitude score was 29.12 +/- 3.98 (possible range: 8-40) and the mean practice score was 23.45 +/- 3.58 (possible range: 6-30). The multivariable analysis showed knowledge level (OR 1.175, 95% CI 1.049 to 1.317, p=0.002), attitude level (OR 1.249, 95% CI 1.167 to 1.337, p<0.001) and eating habits (self- cooked vs eating out, OR 1.958, 95% CI 1.201 to 3.190, p=0.007) were independently associated with better practice level. The structural equation modelling analysis showed that knowledge had a direct influence on attitude (beta=0.487, p=0.030) and practice (beta=0.312, p=0.012) and an indirect influence on practice (beta=0.213, p=0.016). Attitude had a direct influence on practice (beta=0.438, p=0.007). The total influence of knowledge on practice was significant (beta=0.525, p=0.012). Conclusions The women living in Chongqing and surrounding regions had good knowledge, moderate attitude and good practice towards ovarian reserve function. The knowledge aspect can be further improved by education, which in turn might also improve practice among women of childbearing age.