Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) are evidence-based means of tracking observable biomarkers of a woman's fertility for the purpose of reproductive health monitoring and family planning. However, medical education regarding FABMs is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 4-week, two-part online elective on students' knowledge of FABMs, confidence in explaining and offering them to patients, and anticipated behaviors in future practice.
Methods
The online elective, "FABMs for Family Planning and Women's Health," was delivered from August 2020 to May 2023. Students completed preand postknowledge surveys. Paired t tests and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for analysis of the data.
Results
A total of 571 students completed the elective, and 462 students completed both preand posttest surveys (response rate=81%). Students' knowledge of FABMs increased significantly. Posttest scores increased by a mean of 9.02 for Part A and 5.95 for Part B. We identified a significant increase in students' confidence discussing FABMs to avoid pregnancy, achieve pregnancy, monitor reproductive health, and address reproductive health concerns. At the completion of the elective, students were significantly more likely to offer FABMs as an option for most or all women.
Conclusions
This online elective addresses the knowledge gap in FABMs and was effective in improving students' knowledge of FABMs and their confidence and willingness to offer these methods to patients for family planning and management of common women's health conditions.
fertility awareness-based methods online elective medical education, FABM women health medical student elective curriculum, Duane Waechtler FABM family planning online elective, fertility awareness medical education knowledge attitudes, FABM elective course medical student outcomes assessment, Family Medicine FABM online elective 2024, natural family planning medical school curriculum, physician education fertility awareness methods, women health education FABM clinical training
PMID 38805634 38805634 DOI 10.22454/FamMed.2024.562177 10.22454/FamMed.2024.562177 Duane et al. 2024, Duane 2024
Cite this article
Duane, M., Waechtler, L., May, M., Manda, D., Gomez, N. F., & Stujenske, T. M. (2024). Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Family Planning and Women's Health: Impact of an Online Elective. Family medicine, 56(7), 414-421. https://doi.org/10.22454/FamMed.2024.562177
Duane M, Waechtler L, May M, Manda D, Gomez NF, Stujenske TM. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Family Planning and Women's Health: Impact of an Online Elective. Fam Med. 2024;56(7):414-421. doi:10.22454/FamMed.2024.562177
Duane, M., et al. "Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Family Planning and Women's Health: Impact of an Online Elective." Family medicine, vol. 56, no. 7, 2024, pp. 414-421.
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