Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Use in Adolescent at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital

Objective: To determine the intention and using of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in adolescents in the postpartum period. Material and Method: A prospective cohort study was conducted at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima hospital, from June 2014 to November 2014. Postpartum adolescents under the age of 20 who willing to participate were enrolled in this study. A structured interview questionnaire was used to determine the intention of contraceptive use prior to discharge. Then, phone interviewed at 12 weeks postpartum to determine contraceptive use and reasons. Results: Three hundred and ninety eight of 456 adolescents had a documented postpartum visit at 12 weeks, giving an overall response rate of 87.3%. 336 adolescents (73.7%) intended to use LARC prior to discharge and 209 adolescents (56.9%) had used LARC within 12 weeks postpartum. The most common reason of LARC use was convenience. Injectable contraception was the most common LARC used that included 54.77% of participants. Intended birth interval and pregnancy desire were significant factor of choosing LARC at postpartum ward. Significant factors associated with using LARC at 12 weeks postpartum were intended birth interval and previous contraception. Conclusions: The intention to use LARC was 73.7% and the using rate of LARC at 12 weeks postpartum was 56.9%. Convenience was the most common reason of LARC use at 12 weeks postpartum.