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Reproductive Health
Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Development and initial validation of a fertility experiences questionnaire

Authors: F. Scarlett Thomas, Joseph B. Stanford, Jessica N. Sanders, Shawn E. Gurtcheff, Mark Gibson, Christina A. Porucznik, Sara E. Simonsen

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Many women throughout the world have history of subfertility (resolved or unresolved), but much remains unknown about services and treatments chosen.

Methods

We developed a mixed-mode fertility experiences questionnaire (FEQ) in 2009 through literature review and iterative pilot work to optimize question format and mode of administration. The focus of the FEQ is to collect data retrospectively on time at risk for pregnancy, fertility treatments received and declined, pregnancy, time to pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a validation of key elements of the FEQ with comparison to medical records in 2009 and 2010. The validation sample was selected from women initially seen at a specialized fertility treatment center in Utah in 2004.

Results

The FEQ was optimized with two components: 1) written (paper or web-based), self-administered, followed by 2) telephone- administered questions. In 63 patients analyzed, high levels of correlation were identified between patient self-report and medical records for the use of intrauterine insemination and assisted reproductive technology, pregnancy and live birth histories, time at risk for pregnancy and time to pregnancy. There was low correlation between medical records and self-report for the use of oral ovulation drugs and injectable ovulation drugs. Compared to the medical record, the FEQ was over 90 % sensitive for all elements, except injectable ovulation drugs (70 % sensitivity).

Conclusions

The FEQ accurately captured elements of fertility treatment history at 5–6 years after the first visit to a specialty clinic.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Development and initial validation of a fertility experiences questionnaire
Authors
F. Scarlett Thomas
Joseph B. Stanford
Jessica N. Sanders
Shawn E. Gurtcheff
Mark Gibson
Christina A. Porucznik
Sara E. Simonsen
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-015-0054-3

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