Influence of multiple antenatal counselling sessions on modern contraceptive uptake in Nigeria

Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2013 Oct;18(5):381-7. doi: 10.3109/13625187.2013.816672. Epub 2013 Jul 25.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the influence of multiple contraceptive counselling sessions during antenatal care on use of modern postpartum contraception.

Method: A total of 216 eligible pregnant women were randomised into antenatal and postnatal counselling groups. The 'Antenatal group' received one-to-one antenatal contraceptive counselling on several occasions while the 'Postnatal group' received a single one-to-one contraceptive counselling session at the sixth week postnatal check, as is routinely practised. All participants were contacted six months postpartum by telephone or personal visit, and questioned about their contraceptive use, if any.

Results: More women who had multiple antenatal contraceptive counselling sessions used modern contraceptive methods than those who had a single postnatal counselling session (57% vs. 35%; p = 0.002). There was also a significantly more frequent use of contraception among previously undecided patients in the Antenatal group (p = 0.014).

Conclusion: Multiple antenatal contraceptive counselling sessions improve the use of modern postpartum contraception.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Contraception / methods
  • Contraception / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contraception Behavior*
  • Directive Counseling*
  • Family Planning Services
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nigeria
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care*
  • Young Adult