[Retracted] Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Practitioners towards Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients in an Environmental Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background. Cancer patients face multiple challenges, such as infertility caused by exposure to gonadotoxic agents and gonadal irradiation during cancer treatment. Little is known about the health practitioners’ knowledge and practice regarding fertility preservation and its available options in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this study is designed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards fertility preservation in cancer patients among health practitioners in an environmental region in Saudi Arabia. Methods. The cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2020 and January 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among health practitioners from a variety of specialties who work closely with cancer patients. Results. Out of 100 participants, 90% need more knowledge about fertility preservation. The lack of fertility preservation clinics in the patient’s area and its unaffordable expenses significantly influenced the health practitioners’ attitude towards fertility preservation discussion with cancer patients. The results revealed that 92% of the participants agreed that the Saudi Ministry of Health should establish practice guidelines and provide fertility preservation services for cancer patients. Conclusions. The present study showed that clinical practitioners’ knowledge remains insufficient. Education of health practitioners and the establishment of practice guidelines and fertility preservation clinics for cancer patients are required.

Perspectives and Knowledge about Fertility Preservation Strategies among Female Cancer Patients in Turkey

“…A study of oncologists reported that only 61% discussed the risk of infertility caused by oncologic treatments, while 45% did not routinely refer the patients to a reproductive medicine specialist [ 16 ]. Although the referral rate has increased, it still has not reached the required level [ 17 – 20 ]. We found that only two-thirds of the patients were referred to counseling by a gynecologist.…”

Fertility Preservation Among Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Hot Topic

“…A recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia aimed to assess the attitude of health practitioners towards fertility preservation and showed that clinical practitioners' knowledge is still inadequate. They concluded that there is a need to train health practitioners and establish practice guidelines and fertility preservation clinics for cancer patients [7].…”

Retracted: Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Practitioners towards Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients in an Environmental Region of Saudi Arabia

“…This article has been retracted by Hindawi following an investigation undertaken by the publisher [ 1 ]. This investigation has uncovered evidence of one or more of the following indicators of systematic manipulation of the publication process: Discrepancies in scope Discrepancies in the description of the research reported Discrepancies between the availability of data and the research described Inappropriate citations Incoherent, meaningless and/or irrelevant content included in the article Peer-review manipulation …”

“…Tis article has been retracted by Hindawi following an investigation undertaken by the publisher [1]. Tis investigation has uncovered evidence of one or more of the following indicators of systematic manipulation of the publication process:…”