Knowledge and attitude about intrauterine contraceptive devices among patients attending the National Guard Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To investigate women's knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of the intrauterine device (IUD) for contraceptive purposes and to explore eventual misconceptions about its benefits, and disadvantages. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) outpatient department at King Khalid National Guard Hospital in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It involved women aged 15-55 years, who attended the outpatient OB/GYN clinic from July 2018 till May 2019. A validated self-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and clinical data; including, medical and surgical history, obstetrical and gynaecological history. RESULTS: Of 269 participants, 32.3% reported a positive history of unintended pregnancy, and 28.6% declared using or having used IUD, with copper being the most frequent type (17.8%). A majority (81.4%) of the respondents viewed IUD as a contraceptive method only. In comparison, more than 70% declared not knowing the type of IUD used for bleeding control, cycle regulation, endometriosis treatment, cervix cancer prevention, and endometrial hyperplasia. Further, 21.9% and 55.4% believed that IUD increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and infections, respectively. CONCLUSION: Women attending outpatient clinics in our centre had poor knowledge levels about IUDs, with several misconceptions and apprehensions, especially regarding the risk of genital infections and ectopic pregnancy, which may constitute a significant psychological barrier use.