Researchers conducted this study to determine contraception knowledge among UAE women.
Four hundred and fifty UAE women at risk of pregnancy were randomly selected from the community and primary health care centers. They were interviewed about knowledge and contraceptives using a structured questionnaire.
Four hundred women (89%) gave consent to participate in the study. One hundred and sixty-six participants (41.5%) were using contraception. All used natural methods backed with other methods. There were significant associations between contraception and age, high level of education and low family income. Religious beliefs and low expectation of success of birth control were the reasons given for non-use. Eighty-five percent of subjects did not accept sterilization without medical indications, nor using contraception before the first pregnancy. Of the women, 42.5% believed that contraceptive methods should not be used after 40, and 78% were unaware that they could be used to treat gynecological diseases. Disturbed bleeding patterns occurred in 48.7% of users, and these were most bothered by the inability to pray (100%) and to have sexual intercourse (97.5%).
The study concluded that UAE women do not commonly use contraception because of sociocultural traditions, religious beliefs, and insufficient knowledge.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/27/4/212
