Association of Trust and Locus of Control with Postpartum Contraception Choice

Objective: In this study, we explored associations of trust in the healthcare system, health locus of control, and patient factors with choice of effective postpartum contraception. Methods: For this observational study, we measured trust in the healthcare system and health locus of control using validated scales. The primary outcome was postpartum contraceptive choice. We defined effective contraception as methods with failure rate ≤ 10%. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to determine associated variables. Results: Neither trust in the healthcare system nor health locus of control were associated with effective contraceptive choice. Black women were more likely to report choice of effective contraception compared to white women (OR = 4.26, 95% CI 1.43, 12.68). Choice of effective contraception did not differ between women who intended to become pregnant again in less than 2 years versus greater than 2 years although women with no desire for future pregnancy were more likely to choose effective methods (OR = 4.78, 95% CI 1.56, 14.64). Conclusions: Neither trust nor health locus of control were associated with choice of effective postpartum contraception. The increased likelihood of effective post-partum contraception in black women suggests coercion and bias in counseling and provision.