Survey on contraceptive knowledge and service ability among postpartum visitors in Shanghai Minhang district

Abstract

Objective \nTo survey the contraceptive knowledge and service ability of postpartum visitors in Shanghai Minhang district. \n \n \nMethods \nA questionnaire survey on the contraceptive knowledge and contraceptive services was conducted in May 2018 among postpartum visitors from 13 community health service centers in Shanghai Minhang district. \n \n \nResults \nOne hundred and forty-eight valid questionnaires were collected. All the participants were women, among whom 6.8% (10/148) were obstetricians and gynecologists, 8.1% (12/148) were general practitioners and public health doctors, 52.7% (78/148) were nurses and 32.4% (48/148) were village doctors. One hundred and ten participants were married women of childbearing age, among whom 18.2% (20/110) did not take contraceptive measures, 43.6% (48/110) used condom, 10.9% (12/110) used in vitro ejaculation or safe period or combination of two methods, and only 27.3% (30/110) used IUD or tubal ligation. The overall correct rate of contraceptive knowledge was 65.9% (1 755/2 664) . The correct rates of knowledge about postpartum intrauterine device, the placement time of subcutaneous implantation of contraceptives, the correct use of condoms were particularly low. During the visits, postpartum lactating mothers, condom and safe period were recommended for contraception; and condom was recommended most (93.2%, 138/148), however, only 24.3% (36/148) of them carried free contraceptive condom when visiting home. \n \n \nConclusions \nThe general levels of contraception-related knowledge and ability of community postpartum visitors are less satisfactory. It is necessary to strengthen the training and assessment of contraceptive knowledge for them. \n \n \nKey words: \nPostnatal care;\xa0Knowledge, contraception;\xa0Postpartum contraceptive guidance;\xa0Community health services