The relationship between perinatal psychiatric disorders and contraception use among postpartum women

Author(s)

Faisal-Cury, Alexandre ^[1] ; Menezes, Paulo Rossi ^[1] ; Huang, Hsiang ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, BR-0124690 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Harvard Univ, Sch Med, Dept Psychiat, Cambridge Hlth Alliance, Cambridge, MA 02139 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Contraception; v. 88, n. 4, p. 498-502, OCT 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Background: The relationship between perinatal psychiatric disorders and the use of effective contraceptive methods among postpartum women served by primary care clinics has not been established. Study Design: This was a prospective cohort study with 831 pregnant women recruited from 10 primary care clinics of the public sector in Sao Paulo followed up to 18 months after delivery. Results: Among 701 postpartum women, 644 women (91.8%) had resumed sexual activity. Two hundred fifty-three women (39.2%) were classified as using a less effective contraception method (LECM). The presence of perinatal psychiatric disorder (in pregnancy and/or postpartum) was not associated with LECM. Resumption of sexual life 3 months or beyond after delivery was associated with LECM (odds ratio=1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.56). Discussion: Although the use of an LECM after delivery is common, contraception choice is not associated with perinatal depressive/anxiety symptoms. However, women who delay the resumption of sexual activity after delivery should be counseled on the use of available contraceptive methods. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/04572-2 - Post-partum depression: incidence and association with socio-economic status, domestic violence and social support
• Grantee: Alexandre Faisal Cury
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral