title: Knowledge, attitudes and awareness regarding fertility preservation among oncologists and clinical practitioners in Lebanon.
abstract: Fertility preservation (FP) aims to help individuals overcome the infertility associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness, attitudes and knowledge of oncologists' and clinical practitioners' (CPs) about fertility preservation and its options in Lebanon. This was a cross-sectional study with surveys carried out between March 2012 and February 2013 on CPs at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre and Saint Jude's Children Cancer Centre as well as all registered oncologists in Lebanon. Ninety percent of CPs (n = 88) and 94% of oncologists (n = 53) agreed that fertility preservation should be discussed with patient before their cancer treatment. Our data showed a gender bias in relation to patients being informed of their FP options, as well as conflicting knowledge of FP options available in Lebanon among oncologists. The CPs were more likely to have accurate knowledge of FP options and treatment than oncologists. A proactive approach is required to: (1) increase the awareness and knowledge of FP; (2) improve attitudes towards FP; and (3) encourage its communication between CPs, oncologists and patients in Lebanon. Increased education programs, awareness campaigns and development of dedicated FP centres are needed.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Ghina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ghazeeri
authors.affiliation: b Department of Emergency Medicine , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon.
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zebian
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Anwar H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Nassar
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harajly
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abdallah
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hakimian
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Bassem
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Skaiff
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Hussein A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Abbas
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ;
authors.forename: Johnny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Awwad
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D059247:Fertility Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D000072103:Oncologists
keywords: Cancer patients; FP awareness and attitudes; FP knowledge; fertility preservation; oncologists