Evaluation of the postpartum contraceptive practice in a maternity hospital in Dakar

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum contraception is an excellent opportunity to improve overall contraceptive prevalence in Africa and reduce unmet need for family planning. We carried out this study to audit our practice in this area.

Materials and methods: This is a prospective study concerned with all the deliveries having benefited from a postpartum contraception at the Maternity of the Hospital of the Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar between January 1 and June 30, 2019. The data were collected using a computerized survey form and were processed using SPHINX DEMO Vand SPSS 20.0 software.

Results: During the study period, we recorded 197 cases of postpartum planning out of a total of 517 deliveries, for a participation rate of 38.1%. These were mainly young women, with an average age of 27, first-time mothers (49.2%). Among the women giving birth who opted for postpartum contraception, only 8.1% had been able to benefit from antenatal counseling. The spouse's opinion influenced decision making in 26.4% of them. The long-term methods (Progestin-only subcutaneous implants and Copper intrauterine device were the most used (88.3%), with 71.7% and 16.6% respectively. During the first three months of follow-up, Side effects such as minor bleeding and migraines have been reported by users of mini-progestin-only pills. Partial expulsion of an IUD in the first month was observed in a client who had given birth vaginally. appear to favor the adoption of contraception in the postpartum period were represented by young age, multiparity, the existence of pathologies during pregnancy, delivery by cesarean section and the existence of contraceptive counseling at the during antenatal consultations

Conclusion: Postpartum contraception is a feasible and acceptable approach for women giving birth. The methods used are most often those of long duration. uverture of women giving birth is still relatively low; it can be improved through better contraceptive counseling during antenatal consultations and better involvement of spouses.