Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41720957›Full record

ArticleArchives of gynecology and obstetrics2026

Awareness of sustainability among gynecologists in Germany: results of a semirepresentative nationwide survey.

Lina Judit Schiestl, Stefan Lukac, Carolin Hagedorn, Florian Ebner, Kerstin Bäumer, Susanne Schüler-Toprak, Barbara Schmalfeldt, Annette Hasenburg

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing 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

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

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

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
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.

Lina Judit Schiestl *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany. ljschiestl@googlemail.com.
Stefan Lukac *Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
Carolin HagedornDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstraße 201, 04177, Leipzig, Germany.
Florian EbnerDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
Kerstin BäumerFrauenärztin Bettingen, Frenkinger Platz 1, 54646, Bettingen, Germany.
Susanne Schüler-ToprakUniversity Medical Center Regensburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg, Augsburg, Germany.
Barbara SchmalfeldtDepartment of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Annette HasenburgDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo assess the level of awareness, attitudes, and implementation of sustainability practices among gynecologists in Germany, and to identify barriers to sustainable behavior within the field.

backgroundClimate change increasingly affects gynecological and obstetric care. The world health organization (WHO) and the International federation of gynecology and obstetrics (FIGO) have emphasized the need for stronger climate action in healthcare. In response, the German society for gynecology and obstetrics (DGGG) established a working group on sustainability. However, empirical data on sustainability awareness among gynecologists worldwide are lacking. Understanding current attitudes is essential for developing targeted strategies to enhance sustainability in clinical and academic settings.

methodsA cross-sectional, nationwide online survey was conducted from February to June 2024 in Germany using a self-developed questionnaire. The survey assessed sustainability awareness, perceived relevance of climate change, and implementation of environmentally sustainable measures in both clinical and private practice contexts. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed.

resultsMost respondents reported a high level of awareness regarding climate change, with female participants rating their individual contribution more strongly. Sustainable measures such as waste separation and the reduction of single-use packaging were more frequently implemented in private practices than in hospitals. A large proportion of participants reported using environmentally friendly transportation and avoiding short-haul flights. Virtual participation in conferences was common, and many respondents expressed willingness to pay higher fees for sustainable conference formats. The main barriers to implementation were time constraints, financial limitations, and a lack of sustainable alternatives.

conclusionSustainability awareness among gynecologists in Germany is increasing, particularly in personal and outpatient practice contexts. Greater dissemination of information and stronger professional networks are needed to promote sustainable practices and strengthen the contribution of gynecology and obstetrics to climate protection in healthcare.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelClimate ChangeGynecologistsGynecologyHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeAdultAwarenessCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleGermanyHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesClimate changeEnvironmental awarenessGynecologyResource conservationSustainability

Identifiers

PMID41720957
PMCPMC12923469

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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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.