Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding practices of male and female surgical sterilization procedures in Lebanon

Abstract

Objective Surgical sterilization, including vasectomy in males and tubal ligation in females, is a highly effective but underutilized contraception method. Adoption rates vary globally mostly due to misconceptions by both the general public and practicing physicians. Our survey aims to explore physicians' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about surgical sterilization techniques.Study Design A web-based survey of four parts was sent to residents and attending physicians of different specialties in Lebanon between April 2022 and April 2023. 183 physicians responded to the survey. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. A descriptive analysis was performed using the chi-square test for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables.Results Physicians specialized in Urology, OB/GYN, Family medicine and Internal medicine, filled the survey. The majority were resident physicians (79%), male (57%), single (72%) and did not receive training in family planning (73%). Knowledge assessment showed an average score of 5/7. After setting this as a passing score, 60.7% of participants passed the assessment with higher likelihood of passing among attending physicians (84.6%), OB/GYN physicians (94.4%), married participants (80.8%), and physicians who received training in family planning (91.8%). Recommendations varied among specialties, with urologists being more likely to recommend vasectomy depending on the clinical scenario (70–97%). Most physicians perceived the general public preferring tubal ligation as a sterilization method (98%).Conclusion Surgical sterilization is underutilized mostly due to lack of knowledge and cultural beliefs among practicing physicians in our region. Ongoing education is needed in medical training to promote family planning.