Family planning and desire for additional children after cesarean section.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the acceptance of contraceptives among cesarean section patients in a West African traditional environment.


METHODS
Eighty-three cesarean section patients of a regional hospital in Burkina Faso were interviewed at their homes as to their attitudes towards family planning.


RESULTS
In collaboration with local midwives, contraception for 2 years had been recommended to the patients. Only one woman had been using contraceptives before. After cesarean, 46 women used contraceptives and 13 had undergone tubal ligature. Contraceptive users had their next pregnancy on average 10 months later than women not practicing contraception. Patients showed a strong interest to limit their family size. None of the women desired more than 5 children.


CONCLUSIONS
Correct promotion provided, cesarean section patients in a traditional environment accept contraceptives and are interested in family planning.
Maier
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany.
Wacker
J
J
Bastert
G
G
D002050:Burkina Faso; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care