Effectiveness of a theory-based postpartum sexual health education program on women's contraceptive use: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a refined theory-based Interactive Postpartum Sexual Health Education Program to enhance postpartum women's effective contraceptive behavior. Study Design Participants ( N=250) were randomized to three groups. Experimental Group A received our intervention program via strategies that matched participants' learning preparedness, as determined by the transtheoretical model. Experimental Group B received only a pamphlet. The control group received routine education. Only Group A received health education. Data were collected at baseline, 3 days, 2 months and 3 months postpartum. Results Women who received theory-based postpartum sexual health education program had significantly greater contraceptive self-efficacy and were more likely to choose more effective contraceptive methods at 2 months postpartum than women in the routine teaching and interactive pamphlet-only groups. Conclusion Our theory-based Interactive Postpartum Sexual Health Education Program enhanced postpartum women's contraceptive self-efficacy and effective contraceptive behavior.