Digital Health Literacy and Oocyte Cryopreservation Among Women With Gynecological Cancer

Newly diagnosed women with gynecological cancer may face fertility-related concerns before starting cancer treatment. This study assessed whether a digital health literacy education intervention related to oocyte cryopreservation could improve women's knowledge, attitudes, and decisional conflict.

The study used a quasi-experimental single-group pre-post design. It was conducted at the Outpatient Clinics of the Oncology Center at Mansoura University Hospital, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. The study included 158 newly diagnosed women with gynecological cancer selected using purposive sampling.

Eligible participants were women aged 18 to 45 years who were newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer, had not received cancer treatment, had not received cryopreservation instructions before, and had access to a smartphone, internet connection, and social media. Women who had received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy, or who had learning difficulties such as dementia or vision impairment, were excluded.

were women Baseline data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire and study tools assessing knowledge about gynecological cancer and oocyte cryopreservation, attitudes toward oocyte cryopreservation, and decisional conflict. The digital health literacy intervention was delivered using videos, visually engaging images, WhatsApp groups, Zoom and Microsoft Teams meetings, PowerPoint slides, short text messages, interactive visuals and animations, simple Arabic language, and instructive pictures. The educational content covered general information about gynecological cancer and fertility, fertility preservation options, and detailed information about oocyte cryopreservation, including definition, indications, advantages, benefits, and process steps. Content also included embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, fertility-sparing surgery, and ovarian transposition.

Four sessions were delivered, with 20 women per group. Each session was held three days per week on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday and lasted 30 to 45 minutes. Follow-up was conducted by phone or social media as needed to reinforce planning and address barriers. Outcomes were reassessed at the end of week 4 using the same instruments.

Inclusion criteria

• Newly diagnosed women with gynecological cancers who had not received any treatment.
• Women of reproductive age, 18-45 years.
• Women with gynecological cancers who had not received cryopreservation instructions before.
• Women who had a smartphone, internet connection, could use social media, and had access to the internet through their phone.

Exclusion criteria

• Women with gynecological cancer who had received cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy.
• Women diagnosed with learning difficulties, such as dementia or vision impairment.