Factors influencing family planning decisions in Saudi Arabia

Family planning (FP) is an essential intervention to improve the health and well-being of women and their children. Understanding the determinants of FP decisions among Saudi women is critical to the success of FP efforts. This study aims to assess socio-cultural factors related to women's family planning decisions in Saudi Arabia (SA).

A cross-sectional survey-based study examined a convenient sample of 1489 ever-married women living in SA. A structured online questionnaire was developed to assess the personal and socio-demographic characteristics of the sample as well as their fertility and FP preferences, practices, and experiences. Participants were approached through different social media platforms.

Women's reported ever use of contraceptive method was 64.1%. Challenges women face in trying to use contraceptive methods were side-effects of the method (40%) and partner opposition (19%). Women's ever use of contraception was significantly different according to their age group, residence, occupation, income level, duration of marriage, number of children, reaching their desired number of children, having challenges in using contraception (p < 0.001), their career goals (p = 0.005) and access to FP (p = 0.030). Logistic regression results for the factors influencing the decision toward family planning showed the significant factors: marital status (odd 1.28, p-value = 0.042, 95% CI 1.02-1.61), having a supportive husband (odds 1.35, p-value = 0.018, 95% CI 1.08-1.69), and family and societal expectations (odds 1.32, p-value = 0.034 and 95% CI 1.04-1.68).

This study contributes essential insights into the socio-cultural factors influencing FP decisions among Saudi women. The identified determinants, including economic considerations, spousal support, and societal expectations, provide a foundation for tailored interventions to promote informed and autonomous FP choices. These findings ultimately contributed to women's and their children's health and well-being in SA.