The Level of Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Family Planning Methods Among Married Men and Women in the United Arab Emirates

Introduction There is a lack of sufficient data regarding the knowledge levels and attitudes of married couples towards family planning (FP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Researchers have highlighted an unmet demand for contraception and have demonstrated that married couples who need FP services have not adopted them due to insufficient knowledge. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels and attitudes related to FP among married adults attending Thumbay Healthcare facilities in the UAE, and to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with them. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed and included married men and women aged 18 years and above who provided informed consent. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained before enrolling participants (IRB/COM/STD/65/April-2022). A validated and pilot-tested structured questionnaire was used. Chi-square test analysis was performed. Results We surveyed 487 participants, with the majority aged 31 to 50 years (n = 304, 62.4%), holding a university-level education or higher (n = 427, 87.7%), employed in non-medical sectors (n = 382, 78.4%), and earning a monthly family income of 15,000 to 25,000 AED (n = 156, 32%). The knowledge level of 253 participants (51%) was categorized as low or below average. Significant associations were found between knowledge and age, education level, nationality, occupation, duration of marriage, number of children, family income, and household type. Over half of the participants demonstrated a positive attitude (n = 268, 55%) and expressed interest in learning more about FP. Factors associated with a positive attitude were being male, Southeast Asian nationality, having a university-level education or higher, being employed, a marriage duration of five to nine years, having no children, and living in a nuclear family household. The internet and media (n = 286, 58.7%) were identified as the primary sources of information. Hesitancy or refusal to accept FP methods was primarily attributed to family or spousal taboos surrounding the topic (n = 349, 71%) and misinformation (n = 299, 61.4%). Conclusions Although the knowledge level among most participants was low or below average (n = 253, 51%), over half of the participants demonstrated a positive attitude (n = 268, 55%) and expressed interest in learning more about FP. Sociodemographic, economic, and family characteristics were associated with both knowledge and attitude. The findings highlight opportunities for implementing awareness campaigns and educational programs to improve understanding of the topic. Further research examining contraceptive practices and related behavioral outcomes would help determine the effectiveness of such initiatives.