Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40676594›Full record

ArticleBMC public health2025

Infertility trends in China: analyzing temporal changes, public demand, and demographic differences based on Baidu index.

Xun Li, Mengmeng Wei, Jingrui Zou, Jin Wei, Xin Lai, Xun Gong, Hong Hu, Xuanxuan Wang

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Xun LiReproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Mengmeng WeiLibrary, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Jingrui ZouScientific Affairs Department, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Jin WeiDepartment of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Engineering and Intelligence, Shandong Vocational College of Animal Husbandry and Vererinary Medicine, Weifang, 261061, China.
Xin LaiLibrary, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Xun GongSchool of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. gongxun83@aliyun.com.
Hong HuLibrary, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Xuanxuan WangDepartment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430079, China. caidi87@163.com.

Funding

Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances PTS2021-05
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundInfertility is a critical public health issue, imposing significant psychological and financial burdens on individuals and healthcare systems. This study analyzes internet search behavior related to infertility using Baidu Index data, examining trends, demographic characteristics, and geographic patterns. The goal is to provide evidence to inform policy development and improve intervention strategies.

methodsUsing Baidu Index data from 2015 to 2024, this study investigates search trends for "infertility" and "In vitro fertilization (IVF)" over time. It focuses on three aspects: temporal trends in search volume, demand patterns, and demographic characteristics of searchers, including age, gender, and regional differences.

resultsThe implementation of the two-child policy in late 2016 resulted in a short-lived baby boom. However, searches for "infertility" sharply declined from late 2017 to early 2018 before stabilizing. Searches for "IVF" followed a similar pattern, peaking in 2017 before decreasing. The main topics searched were related to IVF costs, online consultations, treatment procedures, and hospital selection. Significant regional differences were observed, with higher search volumes in economically developed areas. Additionally, women aged 20-39 were more likely to search for infertility-related information than men.

conclusionThis study reveals the fluctuating public interest in infertility and the significant impact of economic factors on reproductive decisions. Despite the two-child policy, the fertility decline persists, and high IVF costs continue to pose barriers to reproductive health. Regional, age, and gender variations emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions and policy support to improve accessibility to infertility services.

Indexed as

InfertilityInternetAdultChinaDemographyFemaleFertilization in VitroHumansMaleMiddle AgedYoung AdultBaidu indexInfertilityIVFIVF costsPublic healthRegional differences

Identifiers

PMID40676594
PMCPMC12269174

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.