Does occupational status differentiate their attitudes on assisted reproduction technologies from those of the general population?
GROUND: 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
