Introduction: Knowledge of a contraceptive method’s effectiveness can be an important factor in a woman's choice of method. General contraceptive knowledge varies widely across populations with less awareness and understanding of various contraceptive methods among some populations. Limited data are available regarding knowledge of safety and compliance with oral contraceptives (OCP) among women from Palestine.

Objectives of the study: The main objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of women regarding effectiveness, safety and use of OCP, their satisfaction toward OCP use, and the main reasons for choosing OCP among women using OCP from Nablus-Palestine.

Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted at the Governmental Primary Clinics that deal with maternity and child care, Rafedia Governmental Hospital, and the Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association at Nablus – Palestine. Data collection was achieved by face-to-face interviews in the period between August 2014 and January 2015. Data collection form involves: socio-demographic characteristics, medication and reason for choosing, knowledge about OCP, satisfaction of OCP use and possible adverse effects that the women have complained from.

Results: A total of 105 women were included. Among them 80 (76.2%) were using combined OCP. In addition, 64 (61%) use OCP because of its ease of use, followed by 45 (42.9%) due to its efficacy in preventing pregnancy. Regarding the knowledge about OCP use, 69.5% knew what to do if they forget to take their pill for less than 12 hours. However, low percentage of OCP users knew what to do in case of vomiting or diarrhea. Regarding the overall satisfaction rating of OCP, the majority of OCP users 72 (86.6%) reported good overall satisfaction rate. On the other hand, regarding the side effects that the women may have while using OCP, most women suffer from gaining weight (46.7%), followed by nervousness (27.6%) and leg pain (24.8%).

Conclusion: Women have low to moderate level of necessary knowledge about the use of OCP. However, good level of overall satisfaction was reported by the study participants. Education of women through special center or clinic should be increased so we can increase the satisfaction and decrease the side effect.

Conference Title

The 8th Palestinian Pharmaceutical Conference

Conference Country

Palestine

Conference Date

May 3, 2016 - May 5, 2016

Conference Sponsor

نقابة الصيادلة الفلسطينين