Knowledge, attitudes and factors affecting the decision to choose a post-partum contraceptive method among third trimester pregnant mothers
Abstract
Objectives: Post-partum contraception is an important issue affecting birth spacing and planning the family.The aim was to assess the awareness, attitudes and factors affecting the decision to choose a post-partum contraceptive method, among third trimester pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics at De Zoyza Maternal Hospital, Colombo.
Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross sectional study. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used.Data was analysed using the statistical software SPSS.
Results: About 57% of the population had adequate knowledge on contraception in general, but a markedly higher proportion (>80%) lacked adequate knowledge on post-partum contraception.
A major proportion of the population had no misconceptions towards contraception.
Majority (63.1%) had decided on a post-partum contraceptive method. Most popular methods were Depo-Provera injection (16.8%), LRT (16%) and IUCD (13.6%). The major reason for not deciding on a method was poor knowledge.Considering factors affecting the decision to choose a post-partum contraceptive method, only the level of education, knowledge on contraceptive methods and previous exposure showed a statistically significant relationship(p<0.05). Ethnicity, religion, health education from a health care worker, also showed a distinct relationship with the decision to use contraception, although not significant.
Conclusion: Knowledge on contraception in general was inadequate, and this was most significant regarding the post-partum contraception. Majority had no misconceptions towards contraception. A relatively higher percentage had decided on a method of post-partum contraception. Level of education, knowledge on contraceptive methods and the previous exposure to contraception showed a statistically significant relationship with the decision to choose a post-partum contraceptive method.
