Awareness, Prevalence and Determinants of Birth Control Methods Use among Women in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize Saudi women’s current contraceptive choices and adherence to contraceptive regimens and to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception and the associated socio-demographic factors among a representative sample of Saudi married women in Al Qassim region, KSA.Methodology: Cross-sectional survey of women in Saudi Arabia aged 18-49 years (n= 300) was conducted. Questions include knowledge and attitude towards contraception, history of pregnancy, cause for use and reasons for avoiding contraception.Results: Of the 287 survey participants, 40 (13.9%) women were not used contraception. Among the 247 women who used contraception, the most frequently used current methods were oral contraceptive (49.1%) condom (17.1%) and intrauterine device (16%). There was a significant increase in contraceptive used among working women, 30 years and older, with high level of education, and those having a large number of children.Conclusion: there is deficient in the awareness of contraceptive methods in Al- Qassim region, Saudi Arabia as well as the knowledge, attitude, and practice of family planning.