Evaluation of Pregnant and Postpartum Women's Perspectives on Family Planning Methods

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess family planning (FP) method preferences in pregnant and postpartum women, identify influencing factors, and emphasize the role of family medicine in FP counseling.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 206 pregnant women in Antenatal Clinics and 206 postpartum women from the Newborn Clinic in Ankara Bilkent City Hospital. Data collection used a 52-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were presented as numbers, percentages, means ± standard deviations, and medians. Comparative statistics employed Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests, with p<0.05 considered significant.
RESULTS: Most participants had completed high school or university education. Most patients had a single pregnancy and were aware of at least one modern FP method. Many patients with multiple pregnancies had an interpregnancy interval of <2 years. Approximately 21.2% of patients experienced unplanned pregnancies, mainly despite contraception, often using withdrawal. A total of 66.7% knew about FP counseling in family medicine. As education levels increased, total pregnancies, unplanned pregnancies, and intervals of <2 years decreased. A significant relationship existed between the total number of pregnancies and postpartum FP method choice. Age was also statistically related to the usage rate of the prepregnancy contraceptive method.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Awareness and use of modern FP methods in the community were below the desired level. Factors contributing to this include low education levels and a lack of awareness about obtaining FP counseling from family physicians. Family physicians, as providers of preventive services, play a crucial role in providing accurate information regarding FP during pregnancy and the postpartum period.