Abstract

Sexual Activity Resumption and Contraceptive Use among Delivered Mothers in a Health Facility at Osogbo, Nigeria

Author(s):Oke OF, Oke EO, Owonikoko KM, Taiwo WO, Adewole AO, Adu TS, Ojedokun SA and Orji EO

Aim: To determine the factors are enhancing resumption of sexual intercourse, contraceptive usage and barriers to timely uptake of family planning methods.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 women at the infant welfare clinic of state specialist hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria from 3 to 16 weeks postpartum. Structured questionnaires were administered between March and May 2015 to ascertain their sociodemographic, obstetric features, sexual activity and contraceptive usage. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 16 software.

Results: Vaginal sexual intercourse was resumed by 62.6% (213/340) of women with a mean time of 11.37 weeks ± 8.85 postpartum. More than one-third 37.6% (80/213) did so within puerperium and husbands in 78.4% (167/213) initiated sex. About fifty percent (107/213) were on modern contraceptives, but only 39.3% (42/107) were on contraception before their first postpartum sexual intercourse. Some of the reasons for contraceptive non-usage include, procrastination 25.3% (55/217), absence of menses 4.1% (9/217), don't like it 19.8% (43/217), husband not always around 6.9% (15/217), not yet resume sex 29.5% (64/217), fear of side effects 10.1% (22/217) and husband dislike 2.3% (5/217).

Conclusion: There was highly rate of resumption of sexual intercourse early in postpartum with less attention on contraceptive usage. Some due to misconceptions surrounding fertility return. Sexual and contraceptive education after delivery is necessary for both mothers and their husbands.

• PDF