Assessing Saudi women's knowledge of family planning methods: a cross-sectional study

Research on Saudi women's knowledge of family planning methods has emerged as a critical area of inquiry due to its impact on maternal and child health, population control, and women's empowerment. This study aimed to assess knowledge of family planning methods among Saudi women attending obstetrics/gynecology clinics.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 married Saudi women aged 18-49 years attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics at the National Guard Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, between September and November 2024. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of family planning methods.

Nearly half of participants (48.5%) were aged 25-34 years; 62.7% held a bachelor's degree, 59.2% were unemployed, and 70.8% reported prior use of family planning methods. Participants demonstrated a moderate overall knowledge (mean score 25.3 ± 9.3), with 47% classified as having moderate knowledge, 35.2% poor, and 17.8% good. Birth control pills (88.5%) and intrauterine devices (80.7%) were the most recognized methods; emergency contraception was the least known (21.7%). Family and friends (46.3%) were the most frequently cited information source, followed by health facilities (36%). Knowledge scores varied significantly by age, educational level, employment status, and prior family planning use in bivariate analyses (P < .05).

Saudi women demonstrated moderate knowledge of family planning methods, independently associated with age, education, and prior use in adjusted analysis. These findings highlight the need to enhance women's informed use of family planning through reproductive health education in schools and community programs, personalized counseling during maternal care, and national policies that standardize counseling and ensure equitable access.