Gamete donation: Knowledge, attitude and perception of infertile couple in a public hospital in Nigeria

Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of infertile couples towards gamete donation.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted at the Human Reproduction Research Programme/Invitro Fertilization Clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Infertile couples on followed up at thegynaecologic clinic of the Hospital had orally administered questionnaire by one of the authors. The questionnaire included questions on their biodata, awareness of ART and knowledge and perception of gamete donation. Thestudy involved the female and male partners and findings were compared.Result: A total of 114 females and 39 males participated in this study. Awareness of gamete donation was more amongst female respondents (67.5%) compared to the male respondents (53.8%). Majority of female respondents were willing to receive and donate gametes (62.3% and 85.1%). In contrast most male respondents were averred towards receiving donated gametes (59%). Overall, majority of study participants' wanted anonymity of donor and recipient. However in contrast to the male respondents, a significant majority (60.5%) of female respondentswould like to know the physical attributes of the donor. The older females accepted treatment with gamete donation more than the younger ones.Conclusion: Awareness of gamete donation as treatment option for infertile couples is fairly high in our setting. However, acceptance of gamete donation may be influenced by age, religion and concerns of anonymity and disclosure. Public enlightenment programme to educate and correct false perceptions about gamete donation is desirable to address these concerns. Running head: gamete donation; developing nationKeywords: Gamete Donation, Awareness, Perception, Infertility, IVF, AR