Hormonal Contraception Use and Depression Among Women in Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of depression amongst hormonal and non-hormonal contraception users, and the risk factors associated with depression in the sample. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from October to November 2021, covering all regions of Saudi Arabia. All participants were women, living in Saudi Arabia, ≥21 years old and ≤45 years old, using a contraceptive method, and with no established history of depression. RESULTS: A total of 4853 out of 18,596 met our criteria and were included in this study. Among all sample groups, 29% had moderate to severe depression. Rates of depression and association studies’ results in women using hormonal were higher than those who use non-hormonal birth control methods. Psychiatric disorders, medical illnesses, substance use and depressogenic medication use were all associated with depression in both hormonal and non-hormonal contraception users. CONCLUSION: The current study shows high prevalence of depression amongst hormonal contraceptive users compared to non-hormonal contraceptive users.