Awareness and use of contraceptives among Saudi Women attending Primary Care
Abstract
Background: The overall rapid change in the socio-demographic pattern of the Saudi Arabian community,
especially the changes concerned with women’s education and work will be an important factor in changing
fertility beliefs and behaviors with more tendencies to birth spacing and, consequently, the use of
contraceptives.
Objectives: The study aimed to identify the perception of Saudi women regarding the use of contraceptives
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi women attending primary care centers of Al-
Qassim Region. A structured questionnaire was developed to cover the research objectives. The dependant
variable was the utilization of contraceptive methods and the socioeconomic variables were the independent
variables.
Results: The results identified the low knowledge level of the participant women regarding the variety of
contraceptive methods. Most participants and their husbands showed acceptance to the use of contraceptives
for birth spacing. They preferred birth interval of 2-3 years. They intended to have from 5 to 10 children.
There was a significant increase in contraceptive use among working women, 30 years and older, with a
higher level of education, and those having a large number of children. Multiple regression models revealed
that the significant determinants of the use of contraceptives were women’s working and education.
The study recommended sustained efforts to increase awareness and motivation for proper contraceptive
use.
Key words: Contraceptives, Birth interval, Saudi Arabia, Al-Qassim
especially the changes concerned with women’s education and work will be an important factor in changing
fertility beliefs and behaviors with more tendencies to birth spacing and, consequently, the use of
contraceptives.
Objectives: The study aimed to identify the perception of Saudi women regarding the use of contraceptives
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi women attending primary care centers of Al-
Qassim Region. A structured questionnaire was developed to cover the research objectives. The dependant
variable was the utilization of contraceptive methods and the socioeconomic variables were the independent
variables.
Results: The results identified the low knowledge level of the participant women regarding the variety of
contraceptive methods. Most participants and their husbands showed acceptance to the use of contraceptives
for birth spacing. They preferred birth interval of 2-3 years. They intended to have from 5 to 10 children.
There was a significant increase in contraceptive use among working women, 30 years and older, with a
higher level of education, and those having a large number of children. Multiple regression models revealed
that the significant determinants of the use of contraceptives were women’s working and education.
The study recommended sustained efforts to increase awareness and motivation for proper contraceptive
use.
Key words: Contraceptives, Birth interval, Saudi Arabia, Al-Qassim
Al Sheeha, D. M. (2010). Awareness and use of contraceptives among Saudi Women attending Primary Care. International Journal of Health Sciences, 4(1). Retrieved from https://pub.qu.edu.sa/index.php/journal/article/view/163
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