ArticleInternational journal of clinical pharmacy2020
Utilization pattern and side effect profile of oral anticonceptives: A community-based cross-sectional study among Saudi women.
Article in International journal of clinical pharmacy, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Assessment of Women's Awareness of the Possible Risk of Stroke Associated with the Use of Oral Contraceptives Pills in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2025Article
- Qualitative insights into the need for a contraception protocol from obstetricians' and gynecologists' perspectives.BMC women's health · 2023Article
- Knowledge and Attitude of First-Aid Treatments for Snakebites, and the Perception of Snakes among the Students of Health Sciences at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022Article
- The Contraindications to Combined Oral Contraceptives among Reproductive-Aged Women in an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Article
- COVID-19 related psychological distress and fears among mothers and pregnant women in Saudi Arabia.PloS one · 2021Article
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundThe rapid change in the socio-demographic pattern and changing beliefs toward fertility and birth spacing have resulted in a notable increase in the use of oral anticonceptives in the Saudi Arabian community. However, information on the current utilization of oral anticonceptives and attitudes toward their use remains sparse.
objectiveThe present study evaluated the utilization pattern of oral anticonceptives, attitude toward pill use, and incidence of side effects among Saudi women.
settingThe study was conducted in a community setting in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
methodsEligible Saudi women routinely using oral anticonceptive pills were invited to participate in this prospective, cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a standardized, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Jazan was selected as it recorded the highest number of women using contraceptives in Saudi Arabia.
main outcome measureThe pattern of pill utilization, attitude toward pill use, and incidence of side effects.
resultsA total of 496 women consented to participate in this study. Most of the respondents (87.5%) were using or had used oral anticonceptives for birth control. In nearly half (49.2%) of participants, oral pills were advised by a gynaecologist, and approximately two-thirds (69.0%) were using or had used combined oral anticonceptives. Nearly two-thirds (63.1%) of respondents preferred pills over other contraception methods due to their ease of use. More than one-third (39.3%) of participants agreed that oral pills are safe. Approximately half (53.2%) of participants were aware that a missed pill must be taken immediately after recalling that a dose was missed. A total of 69.6% of participants experienced at least one side effect, of which mood swings (61.1%), weight gain or increase appetite (42.2%), decreased libido (34.1%), and nausea (31.2%) were most common.
conclusionSaudi women had a high acceptance rate for oral anticonceptives as a legitimate method to prevent unintended pregnancy. This was associated with a modest degree of understanding about their risks and benefits. Pharmacists should provide up-to-date information and counsel patients about the use and side effects of oral anticonceptives.
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