Qualitative insights into the need for a contraception protocol from obstetricians’ and gynecologists’ perspectives

BACKGROUND: Studies on the use of contraception in the Saudi community highlight the need for improving community knowledge about contraception, implementing guidelines, and restricting contraception dispensing. However, there is a lack of studies assessing the need for contraception protocols from obstetricians’ and gynecologists’ (Ob/Gyn) perspectives. This study aimed to assess the need for a contraception protocol from the perspectives of Ob/Gyn physicians. METHODS: Qualitative in depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample that comprised physicians from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a tertiary teaching hospital. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using NVivo (QSR International) software. RESULTS: A total of 12 interviews were conducted and analyzed. Participants indicated a lack of prescribing restrictions and highlighted issues of low contraception literacy in Saudi communities, self-prescribing behaviors, health system organization, and physicians’ knowledge. Participants perceived the need for a contraception protocol guiding the prescribing process and patient counseling without restricting prescribing. Moreover, participants highlighted a number of factors affecting the development and implementation of such a protocol, including the availability of contraception, the need for research by physicians, patient factors, and the expected increased load on the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: This research described current practices, showed the need for a contraception protocol, and highlighted the factors affecting the development and implementation of such a protocol.