Adolescents' Contraceptive Choice in the Immediate Postpartum Period: A Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Adolescent Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Postpartum adolescents often desire contraception but face challenges in access and method choice.
• The postpartum period presents a critical window for initiating effective contraceptive methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate contraceptive preferences, acceptance, continuity, and satisfaction among postpartum adolescents in Brazil.
• To identify factors influencing early contraception initiation in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 166 postpartum adolescents in Brazil.
• Interviews conducted before discharge and at 6 months postpartum.
• Statistical analyses including chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and logistic regression tests.

Main Results:

• Implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) were the most preferred long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
• Nearly half of participants initiated LARCs before hospital discharge.
• High continuity (100% for implants, 70% for IUDs) and satisfaction rates were observed among LARC users at 6 months postpartum.

Conclusions:

• The postpartum period is an opportune time to offer safe and effective contraceptive options to adolescents.
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), particularly implants and IUDs, are highly accepted and utilized by postpartum adolescents.
• Adolescents demonstrate high satisfaction and continuity with LARCs, underscoring their suitability for this population.