Abstract

Background: Contraception is an effective mean of Family Planning (FP) and fertility control, promotes maternal and child health. It is interesting to explore the perception and use of contraceptives among Saudi women. So this study aims to determine the prevalence of contraceptives use (types), to study some determinants of the contraceptions used, to assess the availability and satisfaction of the family health planning services and to record their opinion about the current situation in KSA. This study will provide up-to-date situational analysis helping the health policymakers.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study targeting 1215 Saudi women who fulfilling the inclusion criteria. A Multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select women from Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) all over the 20 health regions in KSA. Using a well-structured pretested questionnaire composed of four main parts to collect the data after an exempt IRP approval and informed written consent. The data analyzed using the appropriate tests using the Spss program version 22.

Result: A wide age range (16-49 y) with the mean age of 37.5. The majority (56.7%) were university-educated or above, 93.1% were married. The prevalence of the current contraception use is 68.8%. The most common methods for contraception were OCP, IUD, coitus interruption and condom in order (42.1, 15.6, 7.8 and 5.7%) respectively. The main causes for using contraception is birth control 55.4%, don't want to get pregnant (31.2%) and medical causes (17.8%). The main sources used for contraception methods, were HCP, relatives, friends (38.2%, 36.5%, 21. 8%) and bought from pharmacies, private clinics and then private hospitals (54.8%, 20.2%, 18.5%).

Conclusion: The contraceptive pills are the commonest contraceptive methods used among Saudi women. Appropriate strategies should be implemented to raise awareness and provide services.

Keywords: Contraception; Saudi women; Family Planning Services (FPS)