IPIs are associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. However, few studies have explored women’s understanding of ideal IPIs or investigated knowledge of the consequences of short IPIs. This study was done to explore women’s understanding of ideal IPIs or investigated knowledge of the consequences of short IPIs.
This was a questionnaire-based study at two hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Participants were the women attending antenatal clinics and collected demographic data, actual IPI, ideal IPI, contraceptive use, and education provided on birth-spacing and contraception following a previous live birth.
Data were collected from 467 women, of whom 344 were pregnant following a live birth. Overall, 72 women had an IPI <12 months only 7.5% of whom believed this was ideal, and the remaining stating their ideal IPI was over 12 months or they had no idea IPI.
The study concluded through its findings that younger age and non-use of LARC are significantly associated with IPIs <12 months. A minority of women with a short IPI perceived it to be ideal. Prevention of short IPIs could be achieved with improved access to postnatal contraception.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/45/4/249
