BACKGROUND:
Low fertility knowledge in Japan delays treatment, leading to high rates over age 40. Poor fertility literacy is a major issue for reproductive-age individuals.

OBJECTIVES:
To identify factors associated with fertility literacy in reproductive-aged Japanese men and women to facilitate objective fertility assessment and life planning.

METHODS:
In March 2021, a web survey of 660 childless men and women (20s-40s) desiring children utilized a fertility literacy scale. Independent variables included gender, age, education, marital status, health literacy, and infertility treatment experience. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed on 648 participants (mean age 34.3 years). The study received ethical approval.

RESULTS:
Women scored significantly higher than men in knowledge areas: female fertility, male fertility via lifestyle , male sexual function, and communication for support. Men scored higher on knowledge of physical risks to male reproductive ability. No significant gender differences were found in risk assessment or decision-making. Multiple regression analysis revealed fertility literacy (knowledge) was significantly associated with: health literacy, 30s, education , infertility treatment experience , regular check-ups , and female gender (p= .042-<.001). For women, being in their 40s (p=.042) was significant; for men, being married (p=.016) was. Fertility literacy (self-care behavioral capacity) was significantly associated with: health literacy, preconception self-care, infertility treatment experience, and female gender (p=.014-<.001). For women, being unmarried (p=.020) and having a specific partner (p=.008) were significant; for men, being married (p=.048) was.

CONCLUSIONS:
Improving overall health literacy boosts fertility literacy, especially for self-care. Infertility treatment underscores the need to face fertility issues. Women's awareness relates to age and marital status; men's grows with marriage. Gender- and life stage-specific education is essential.

KEY MESSAGE:
Tailored fertility education, which considers gender, life stage, and health literacy, is vital for the reproductive generation in Japan, as gender differences suggest women's awareness links to age/marital status, while men's increases with marital status. Poster session 2 (Group A)