Prevalence, patterns and determinants of contraceptive use among women attending antenatal clinics in westerns regio of Saudi Arabia

Despite the popularity of contraceptives, their use and choice may vary depending on social, cultural and personal beliefs. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence and analyzed the determinants of contraception use among women attending antenatal care clinic in primary healthcare centers in two cities of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 84.2% (95%CI= 80.5%; 87.5%). Oral contraceptive pills were the most frequently used (68.2%), followed by Intrauterine devices (17.6%) and male condom (7.1%). Non-use of contraceptives was predicted by belief that contraception constitute a religious transgression, lack of woman’s decision autonomy and husband’s refusal. Results from this study suggest that a high proportion of contraceptive use is beyond medical supervision, which exposes to misuse and serious side effects.