Intrauterine Device Knowledge and Practices among Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residents in Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Background: There observed underuse of intrauterine device among Saudi women. This partly related to the information that women receive from their healthcare providers. Therefore, this survey aimed to evaluate the knowledge and counselling practices of obstetrics and gynaecology residents in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods:This cross-sectional study conducted in several Saudi hospitals in western region throughout four months. Obstetrics and gynaecology residents across all five years of residency randomly selected to fill out a web-based questionnaire. Results: Among 206 residents, 101 of them completed the questionnaire. Overall, respondents were least likely (4%) to correctly answer the question ‘‘Mechanism of action of IUD’. Only 29.7% correctly responded with ‘’10 years’’ as the answer for the question ‘‘Maximum years of use for copper IUD’’, and “Paragard (Copper T380A) IUD” as the answer for the question “Emergency contraception.” Only 2.0% of respondents knew the prophylactic use of levonorgestrel IUD against endometrial hyperplasia and malignancy. Knowledge of the respondents about the routine use of IUD in patients that reported a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was deficient (25.7%). Forty-two percentages of participants reported their usual recommendation of IUD to patients younger than 20 years old, immediately after delivery of the placenta, and to patients who have never been pregnant. Conclusion: These findings explored a substantial lack of IUD knowledge and counselling practices among the participating residents. Also emphasises the need to develop our residency syllabuses. Additionally, provision of Ryan programs in the Saudi Obstetrics & Gynecology residency programs recommended.. Keywords:Obstetrics &gynaecology residents, intrauterine device, knowledge, counselling practices, survey, Saudi Arabia