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Over‐the‐counter use of oral contraceptives in Kuwait
Author(s) -
Shah M.A.,
Shah N.M.,
AlRahmani E.,
Behbehani J.,
Radovanovic Z.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/s0020-7292(01)00375-7
Subject(s) - medicine , over the counter , pharmacy , family medicine , limiting , socioeconomic status , pill , medical prescription , odds ratio , multivariate analysis , population , environmental health , nursing , mechanical engineering , engineering , pathology
Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are available over‐the‐counter (OTC) in Kuwait, and constitute a leading method for spacing and limiting children. Data from a nationally representative survey of Kuwaiti women are used to examine OTC use of OCPs. One‐fourth of the women initiated use without consulting a doctor, and 50% bought OCPs from the pharmacy. No socioeconomic or demographic differences were found between those who consulted a physician, implying that women of different background have similar accessibility to the physician. Using multivariate analysis, the odds of consulting a physician were found to be significantly lower for women who first bought OCPs directly from the commercial pharmacy. The duration of first time OCP use did not differ according to physician consultation. It is concluded that OTC availability of OCPs has many advantages and prevents unwanted pregnancy. However, there is a need for better packaging and instructions that would enable high‐risk women to identify themselves and to use OCPs under physician supervision.