Publication:

Contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and use among women visiting primary healthcare centers in Abu Dhabi Island

Background This study assessed contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and use among women of reproductive age in Abu Dhabi Island.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers Al Bateen and Al Rawda in Abu Dhabi Island. Participants were women (N = 384; aged 18-54 years) who were married, widowed, divorced, or sexually active. Using a structured questionnaire, we examined their socio-demographic characteristics and their contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and use.

Results A total of 44.8% of the women were aged 30-39 years, 98.4% had university education and above, 56.7% were employed, and 69.4% had an adequate family income. Only 23.7% possessed good knowledge about contraceptive methods (e.g., indications/contraindications, side effects, and benefits). Further, 72.1% had used contraception before, while 48.3% were current users. The most commonly used methods were natural methods (63.6%), followed by condoms (35.6%), oral contraceptive pills (34%), and intrauterine devices (33.7%). Interestingly, only 4.6% held a negative attitude toward contraception, while 53.5% were in favor of using contraceptives. Family income and employment status were significantly related to contraceptive knowledge (P = 0.005 and .013, respectively). Number of children, children’s sex, and years of marriage were significantly related to contraception use (P <0.001, <0.001, and 0.008 respectively).

Conclusions Despite poor knowledge about contraception use, most women held favorable attitudes toward using them. About half the women were current contraception users, with natural methods being the most commonly practiced.