Discrepancy in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception about Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment among Infertile Couples Seeking Treatment at Government Clinic/ Tertiary Hospitals in Mumbai

Children are an invaluable part of human life, especially for infertile couples, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) brings hope to those struggling with infertility. However, attitudes towards treatment through ART are influenced by socio-cultural, financial barriers, and access concerns. Therefore, this paper aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and respondents’ perceptions about various ART procedures. Primary data from two hospitals in Mumbai was collected using a structured schedule. The study involved 200 couples married for at least 3 years and undergoing treatment for at least 6 months. In the study, husbands showed greater awareness of donor oocytes (48.5% vs wife 35), sperm (65.5%), and egg freezing (19.5%), while wives showed greater awareness of IVF (68%) and IUI (67.5%). Wives showed more positivity toward ART methods, especially IVF, IUI, and ICSI, while husbands were more favorable toward donor-related methods. Cultural stigma, affordability, and fear of treatment negatively influenced attitudes, with significant differences between sexes. ART experience, particularly IVF, positively influenced awareness and acceptance for both sexes. Awareness and attitudes towards ART differ between husbands and wives, shaped by gender, type of infertility, and previous ART experience. While wives favor advanced ART methods, husbands lean towards donor-derived treatments. Stigma and affordability remain barriers, highlighting the need for targeted education and support to encourage informed decision-making among couples facing infertility. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of tailored education to improve awareness and reduce stigma-surrounding ART.