Patterns and knowledge of contraceptive methods use among women living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Birth control or contraception has become a fundamental part of women's healthcare. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine women's knowledge of contraception. This study aimed to know the patterns of contraception use and to assess the knowledge of contraceptive methods among women living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional previously validated survey was carried out between June and December 2016 among female Saudi citizens aged 18 years or older and living in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. In total, 979 female participants responded to the questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of contraceptive use among Saudi women living in Jeddah was 67.7%. Preventing pregnancy was the most frequent reason for using contraception (69.7%). Oral contraceptives were the most commonly used contraceptive type used (31.8%) followed by intrauterine devices (21%). Almost 16.4% used the withdrawal method, and the male condom method was used by 13.6%. Mood swings and depression were the most common side-effects encountered (34.6%). Furthermore, primary educated individuals reported significantly less contraceptive use compared to individuals who had a high level of education by 47% (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.3–0.95). Age, years of marriage, and number of children were not shown to have any significant effects on contraception use among the participants. Conclusions: The study showed knowledge gaps in the use of different contraception methods. The most common contraceptive methods among Saudi women in Jeddah are pills and intrauterine device. Education played a big role to use the different type of contraception. Effective strategies should be implemented to raise awareness of the appropriate use of contraceptives and dispel misconceptions.