Exploring Perspectives and Beliefs on Postpartum Intrauterine Device Use Among Recent Users in Assiut General Hospitals

Background:Postpartum family planning helps to prevent unintended pregnancies. Yet, utilization remains low in Upper Egypt. Women's opinions reveal preferences for traditional methods and cultural beliefs, contributing to lower acceptance of other methods. This study aims to understand women's perspectives on postpartum IUD use after delivery.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional conducted in Al Shamla and Al Eman Hospitals in Assiut Governorate, Egypt, involving postpartum women using postpartum IUD after delivery for at least 2 months. The sample size was 145, with data collected using a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic and reproductive data, counseling, satisfaction, and opinions.Results:The study involved 145 postpartum women using IUDs for at least 2 months, with a mean age of 34.8 years. Most participants (73.1%) were urban residents. 82.1% received counseling about the postpartum IUD, while 53.8% expressed satisfaction and would recommend it to others, and 15.9% didn't. Most (51%) viewed IUDs as effective. The significant predictors for satisfaction with the postpartum IUD were having counseling about it AOR=5.39, especially during antenatal care AOR=3.42, and having shorter intervals between deliveries AOR=9.54.Conclusions:Counseling of postpartum women, especially during antenatal care, and having a shorter duration between deliveries were significant predictors of satisfaction with the postpartum IUD. While satisfaction levels were high, misconceptions persisted, highlighting the need for improved education and counseling.