title: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hematologists regarding fertility preservation in Turkey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fertility preservation stands before us as an issue of quality of life for cancer patients and their partners and families. Therefore, the object of the present study was to determine the extent of the knowledge that hematologists have about fertility preservation and to understand their attitudes and practices regarding this matter.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 25 hematologists participated in a survey. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics and awareness concerning the subject of fertility preservation, as well as questions designed to determine the extent of the knowledge that hematologists had on the subject and to understand their attitudes and practices in this context.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the participants in the study, all expressed their awareness of the adverse effects that the various treatments they were prescribing could have on fertility; 2 (8%) revealed that they had never heard of the concept of fertility preservation. Of the participants, 19 (76%) indicated that they did not have adequate knowledge about fertility preservation, but 22 (88%) fortunately expressed a need for acquiring more knowledge about the subject. Of the respondents, 23 (92%) said that they did not have any brochures or published resources on this subject and stated their belief that if hematologists did have such documents, they would have more opportunity to discuss the various fertility preservation options with patients. All of the participants in the survey supported the idea of the Turkish Society of Hematology publishing a guidebook on this subject and organizing a session on fertility preservation in their regular congress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Meeting the needs of hematologists for training and knowledge in the subject of fertility preservation and ensuring the development of appropriate attitudes and practices in this area is an important issue. The Turkish Society of Hematology may play a significant key role.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  None declared.
authors.affiliation: Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aydın, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mert
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Küçük
authors.affiliation: Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Aydın, Turkey.
authors.forename: Irfan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yavaşoğlu
authors.affiliation: Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Aydın, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ali Zahit
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Bolaman
authors.affiliation: Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Aydın, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gürhan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kadıköylü
keywords: Attitude; Fertility preservation; Hematologists