Effective Strategies for the Use o Contraceptive Methods in the Postpartum Period by Adolescent Mothers in Iran Using Nominal Group Technique

Abstract

Background and Objectives Unplanned pregnancy in the first year after delivery in high-risk and adolescent mothers can have numerous complications. This study aims to investigate the effective strategies for the use of contraceptive methods in the postpartum period by adolescent mothers in Iran. Subjects and Methods This qualitative study, using the nominal group technique (NGT), was conducted in 2019 during a journal club with the presence of professors and students in midwifery and reproductive health. The NGT included five steps: Recording of ideas during 5 minutes of silence, clarifying ideas, prioritizing important ideas, voting, and selecting the first five priorities. Results Five priorities were education, counseling, providing the contraceptive methods, modification of population policies, and correct identification of the vulnerable groups. Accordingly, strategies were categorized as (a) evidence-based education and counseling on appropriate use of contraceptive methods during pregnancy, after delivery, and during postnatal visits, (b) providing contraceptive methods to the high-risk group of women for free in health centers, and (c) modification of population policies. Conclusion There are appropriate strategies for the contraceptive use such as education, counseling, providing the contraceptive methods, and modification of population policies that can temporarily prevent pregnancy in high-risk adolescent women in Iran.