Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards assisted reproductive technology among infertile individuals in a clinic-based setting: a cross-sectional KAP study

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has gained traction globally, yet skepticism persists due to concerns not only about its success rates but also about cost, potential health risks, and emotional stress associated with treatment. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding ART among infertile individuals in China. Conducted from August to October 2022 at a single tertiary reproductive center (Beijing Maternity Hospital), this clinic-based cross-sectional study utilized self-developed questionnaires and recruited 551 participants through convenience sampling in outpatient clinics, yielding 503 valid responses (91.29% response rate). The KAP scores reflected limited understanding (4.42 ± 3.16 out of 10), positive attitudes (29.99 ± 7.38 out of 40), and appropriate practices (29.73 ± 4.35 out of 35). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with more positive attitudes (β = 1.206, 95% CI: 1.032–1.380, P < 0.001) and better practices (β = 0.215, 95% CI: 0.088–0.342, P < 0.001). Additionally, more positive attitudes were independently associated with better practices (β = 0.225, 95% CI: 0.170–0.280, P < 0.001). Knowledge scores were significantly lower among those with Buddhist beliefs (β = -1.571, P = 0.020) and those preparing for pregnancy for less than one year (β = -1.903, P < 0.001), while attitude scores were lower among individuals with household incomes below ¥50,000/year (β = -2.657, P = 0.011). Practice scores were also lower among those with shorter pregnancy preparation durations (< 1 year: β = -1.209, P = 0.038; 1–3 years: β = -1.166, P = 0.042). These findings indicate that higher knowledge levels were associated with more positive attitudes and better practices toward ART. These results highlight potential gaps among younger individuals and those with shorter durations of pregnancy preparation, suggesting the need for further research and targeted educational strategies. It should be noted that the sample was predominantly male, reflecting the clinic-based recruitment context, which should be considered when interpreting the findings.