Evaluation of Patient’s Perspective Regarding Usage of Post Partum Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and Aims: Despite many advantages of post partum intra uterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD), it generally suffers from unpopularity either because of ignorance or fear of associated side effects and inadequate knowledge. This study was aimed to determine proportion of women accepting PPIUCD, to assess knowledge, and attitude toward contraception and to determine and analyze reasons for refusal of PPIUCD. Material and Methods: After permission from Institutional Review Board, this prospective study was carried out over a period of 2 months. Patients who refused PPIUCD were enrolled after taking written informed consent. A questionnaire was administered to assess their socio-demographic profile, knowledge, attitude and acceptability of various family planning methods and reasons for refusal of PPIUCD. Results: Majority of the patients (99, 47.6%) were in age group of 20-24 years and 96 (46.1%) had primary education. Only 7 (3.3 %) were employed. PPIUCD was denied under family pressure and due to worries about side effects in 58 (27.8%) cases each. PPIUCD was denied as 44 (21.1%) patients wanted to use other type of contraception, 34 (16.3%) were scared and 23(10.7%) had misconceptions regarding PPIUCD. Conclusions: Counseling for postpartum contraception should start from antenatal period and should include information, and correction of myths associated with PPIUCD. Not only the woman but counseling of family members should be done as they play major role in deciding whether the woman should use any contraception or not. Education status and occupation play a direct role in women's decision regarding use of contraception. Hence, education and empowerment of women should be promoted.