The FAST study: Fertility ASsessment and advice Targeting lifestyle choices and behaviours: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Lifestyle has been shown to affect fertility in both males and females, with compelling evidence that smoking and being under or overweight impairs natural and assisted fertility, and other factors such as stress and caffeine have also been implicated. The objective of this study was to determine whether providing infertile couples with individualized lifestyle assessments and ongoing support facilitates positive lifestyle changes enhancing healthy fertility.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective cohort pilot study of 23 infertile couples attending an Adelaide-based fertility clinic for advice and treatment relating to infertility. The intervention was a comprehensive assessment interview with the couple, focused on health and lifestyle. Motivational interviewing techniques were used and ongoing support provided. The assessment was repeated after 4 months and included an exit questionnaire. The main outcome measure(s) was self-reported lifestyle changes, including increased exercise, modified diet, reduced caffeine and alcohol consumption, ceased or reduced smoking and decreased psychological stress.


RESULTS
Following the initial lifestyle assessment interview, all participants reported adverse lifestyle behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the FAST (Fertility ASsessment and advice Targeting lifestyle choices and behaviours) approach of an individualized assessment of current lifestyle practice followed by ongoing one to two weekly telephone support is effective in promoting healthy lifestyle change. Larger studies using this methodology are now required.
Flinders Reproductive Medicine, Bedford Park 5042, Australia. gill.homan@adelaide.edu.au
G
G
Homan
J
J
Litt
R J
RJ
Norman
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D062405:Motivational Interviewing; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002110:Caffeine