title: Over-the-counter use of oral contraceptives in Kuwait.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Health Information Administration, Kuwait University, Kuwait. makhdoom@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Al-Rahmani
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Behbehani
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Radovanovic
mesh_terms: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D004348:Drug Labeling / Q000592:standards; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D020380:Needs Assessment; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs