Abstract
Background: In Saudi Arabian society, the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is the most preferred method of contraception due to its accessibility and reversibility. However, as OCPs are over-the-counter medications, issues related to their inappropriate usage have risen, which can limit their efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the women’s knowledge and perceptions about the use and safety of oral contraceptives in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2019 and July 2019 in Al-Kharj city, Saudi Arabia. A total of 730 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to women in shopping malls. A Chisquare test was used to determine the relationship between various demographic variables and the knowledge and use of contraceptives. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant for all the variables.
Results: A total of 708 women met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 559 were between the age of 15 and 35 years. The majority of respondents had either a university degree or postgraduate education (69.5%). Over half of the respondents were not formally employed, including students (67.1%), whereas 30.2% were unmarried. The results showed that knowledge about contraceptives increased with age. However, a knowledge deficit
was observed across all age groups, particularly among 15–25-year-old women.
Conclusion: The study uncovered inadequate knowledge among women on OCPs, their potential side effects, and health-related issues. Besides, many women used OCPs for reasons other than preventing pregnancy, including postponing their menstrual periods.

Key words: Oral contraceptive, knowledge and beliefs, Saudi Arabian women, pills