Preferred postpartum contraception methods and their practice among married women in Zanjan, Iran

Objectives: To explore the preferences of women; once at the time of delivery and then three months later, in using contraceptive methods during post partum period. Methods: A sample of 575 women who gave birth during July 2007 and February 2008 in Vali-Asre teaching hospital of Zanjan, were recruited and interviewed once after delivery and then three month later. The interview questions included demographic characteristic and questions assessing the tendency of mothers to use the contraceptives they preferred at time of delivery and three months later. Results: According to 537 (93.4%) of interviewed mothers, they intended using at least one contraceptive after getting discharged from the hospital. This figure dropped to 438 (76.1%) three months after delivery. Women who expressed the desire to use minipill after delivery were 169 (29.3%). However this value rose to 187 (32.2%) three months later. The difference was not statistically significant. There was significant relationship between type of contraceptives used and women s age, number of children, place of residence and level of education three months following delivery. Conclusion: Results suggest that health care must focus extensively on giving necessary information and consultation to pregnant women also their partners to help to improve selection of most favourite and safe method of contraception.