Title: Knowledge, attitude, and use of oral contraceptive pills among Saudi women seen at the primary care clinics of Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Authors: Maryam M. Alotaibi, Dr Omar Shiddo, Dr Medhat Ghoraba

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i4.160

Abstract

Background and Aim: A successful contraception requires sufficient knowledge of contraceptive’s use and its side-effects. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, practice and use of OCPs in a Saudi female population.

Methods: A survey questionnaire was distributed to Saudi women aged 18 to 49 years old who were using OCPs or have used OCPs, and who were attending the Primary Care Clinics of Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between May and December 2017.

Results: Of 285 women surveyed, 23.9% were on OCPs for <1 year, 53.6% for 1-3 years and 22.5% were on OCPs for ≥4 years.  The mean total scores in knowledge was 2.07 for compliance (range: 0 – 5), 1.30 for knowledge of side effects (range: 0-6), and the overall knowledge was 3.36(range of 0 – 11). There were 28.4% who have knowledge about compliance in taking OCPs, 14.4% have knowledge of the complications and side effects of OCPs, and 20.0% have knowledge of both compliance and side effects. There were no significant differences in the knowledge of compliance and side effects across different educational levels, however, women who have more children and those between 30-39 years old have better understanding of the use of OCPs.

Conclusion: Knowledge of correct use of OCP’s and its side effects among Saudi women remains to be low. There is a need for health institutions and health care practitioners to intensify information campaigns and awareness programs on the use of OCP’s and contraception. 

Keywords: oral contraceptive pills, knowledge, use, side effects, compliance.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Maryam Megaeed Alotaibi

Resident, Family Medicine, Family Medicine Center, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: +966-555095572, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.