Correlates of Postpartum Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use in Kano, Northern Nigeria
Abstract
within 12 months of childbirth was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Vaginal intercourse was resumed by most women (n=212; 66.9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 61.8%, 72.2%) with delivery-coitus resumption interval (mean ± SD) of 9.6±5.2 weeks postpartum. The majority (67.9%) resumed sexual activity within 8 weeks of delivery. Nearly two-thirds 65.6%
(n=139/212) of the sexually active women reported current use of contraceptives. Onset of postpartum sexual activity was independently associated with mode of delivery adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95%CI)= 1.10 (1.03,1.78), baby‘s age AOR (95%CI)=2.10 (1.27, 8.70), number of living children AOR (95%CI)=1.21 (1.07,1.79), onset of menstruation AOR (95%CI)=0.34(0.17,0.69) and co-habitation AOR (95%CI)=0.47 (0.016, 0.14). Contraceptive use was predicted by educational status, sexual activity, baby‘s age and menstruation. Most women attending maternal and child health clinics resumed sexual intercourse within 2 months of delivery, but only two-thirds used modern contraceptive methods. Contraceptive counseling should commence early, preferably during pregnancy. (Afr J Reprod Health 2018; 22[1]:103-112).
Practices related to resumption of coitus after childbirth remains poorly documented in Nigeria. This study examined factors
associated with sexual intercourse, delivery-coitus interval, and contraceptive use among postpartum women attending a tertiary
centre in Kano, northern Nigeria. A cross section of 317 women attending immunization, postnatal and family planning clinics
within 12 months of childbirth was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Vaginal intercourse was resumed by most
women (n=212; 66.9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 61.8%, 72.2%) with delivery-coitus resumption interval (mean ± SD) of
9.6±5.2 weeks postpartum. The majority (67.9%) resumed sexual activity within 8 weeks of delivery. Nearly two-thirds 65.6%
(n=139/212) of the sexually active women reported current use of contraceptives. Onset of postpartum sexual activity was
independently associated with mode of delivery adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95%CI)= 1.10 (1.03,1.78), baby‘s age AOR (95%CI)
=2.10 (1.27, 8.70), number of living children AOR (95%CI)=1.21 (1.07,1.79), onset of menstruation AOR (95%CI)=0.34
(0.17,0.69) and co-habitation AOR (95%CI)=0.47 (0.016, 0.14). Contraceptive use was predicted by educational status, sexual
activity, baby‘s age and menstruation. Most women attending maternal and child health clinics resumed sexual intercourse within
2 months of delivery, but only two-thirds used modern contraceptive methods. Contraceptive counseling should commence early,
preferably during pregnancy. (Afr J Reprod Health 2018; 22[1]:103-112).
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