[Utilization of contraceptive methods during the lactation period].
OBJECTIVE
To find the use of family planning methods during breast-feeding and establish whether there is a relationship with social-demographic questions or the breast-feeding. Secondly, to evaluate nursing mothers' understanding of these methods.


METHODS
An observational, crossover study using a self-administered questionnaire.


METHODS
Primary care.


METHODS
398 women in their 7th month of breast-feeding were chosen by simple random sampling from the register of births. Reply rate: 85.2%.


METHODS
The use of contraceptive methods (CM), type of breast-feeding, social-demographic characteristics, information received and women understanding of family planning (additive Likert-type scale).


RESULTS
78% of the women interviewed said they used some CM after delivery: barrier methods were the most common (63.7%). Use was significantly greater in women with a lower level of information or who had previously used CM.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with a lower level of information or who had used family planning methods previously said they used them more during breast-feeding. There is insufficient information about contraceptive methods during this period, especially among less educated women. Understanding of CM increases when breast-feeding lasts longer. Activities performed by health staff are not connected to women better understanding of contraception.
Serrano Viel
A
A
Unidad Docente de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Unidad Docente de Enfermería Obstétrico-Ginecológica, Albacete.
Lacal Granados
J F
JF
Jiménez Roldán
F
F
Lorenzo García-Ormaechea
I
I
López-Torres Hidalgo
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires