Objective: To determine critical factors and barriers to postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) use in India in order to guide programs aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality.
Methods: All pregnant women were enrolled for contraception counseling during their visit to the antenatal outpatient clinic. Women who opted for PPIUCDs were enrolled in the study and offered PPIUCD insertion, irrespective of mode of delivery. Those who withdrew consent when in labor or soon after delivery, experienced severe bleeding, or exhibited unstable vital signs were excluded, as were febrile women and those diagnosed with chorioamnionitis.
Results: A total of 66,508 women were enrolled in the study. 86.1% indicated they discussed family planning options with their partners/husbands before making a decision. 178 respondents (0.3%) could not mention one advantage of PPIUCDs, while 23.1% could not mention one disadvantage. 13.9% of the women withdrew consent. Family member objections (43.44%), husband/partner objection (27.94%), and deciding on another method (15.59%) were the main reasons for consent withdrawal.
Conclusions: Awareness of PPIUCDs is not a limiting factor in women's consent to PPIUCD insertion. As a woman's decision to use a PPIUCD is significantly influenced by family members and her partner/husband, awareness initiatives that target these populations should be considered.
Keywords: Birth spacing; Family; India; Maternal mortality; PPIUCD; Postpartum.