Reproductive health and midwives: does occupational status differentiate their attitudes on assisted reproduction technologies from those of the general population?

BACKGROUND Advancements within assisted reproduction technologies (ART) raise ethical questions; however, research on health care professionals' attitudes towards their application is limited. This study aimed at assessing certified (CMs) and Student (SMs) midwives' attitudes towards various aspects of ART as well as comparing them with public opinion. METHODS The final sample included 567 female CMs and 605 women from the general population (age range: 25-62 years), 221 SMs and 209 female non-SMs (age range: 18-24 years). The questionnaire administered included socio-demographic information, items addressing knowledge issues and attitude statements. Data were analysed using principal components analysis, one-way analysis of variance and Friedman's test, as well as multiple linear regression. RESULTS Four attitudinal factors emerged: 'genetic counselling' (GC), 'application of ART', 'moral dilemmas' and 'socio-ethical aspects'; occupational status did not affect attitudes towards GC, however SMs expressed more positive attitudes regarding the latter three factors (P<0.001: 17.49, 14.14 and 11.55). Student groups expressed more negative attitudes for multifetal pregnancy reduction (SMs: 1.88+/-0.83; non-SMs: 2.17+/-0.77) whereas the other two groups were least favourable towards embryo donation (2.30+/-0.80, CM; 2.32+/-0.83, general population). Sex selection and the use of ART by menopausal or homosexual women were the least acceptable practices for all groups (P<0.001). A high level of relevant knowledge was positively associated with 'application of ART' and acceptability of its use by specific population groups (b=0.469, b=0.19). Findings on factors influencing attitudinal patterns are further discussed. CONCLUSIONS In this first attempt, it was revealed that CMs express the same conservative attitudes as the general population.