Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use Behaviors among Postpartum Mothers

Abstract

The objective of this descriptive correlational study was to investigate postpartum contraceptive use behavior among mothers in Pho, Nong Kaeo, and Phon Khawa subdistricts, Mueang Sisaket District. The sample was selected using purposive sampling, comprising 103 postpartum mothers. The research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, a knowledge assessment tool on postpartum contraceptive use, an attitude questionnaire on postpartum contraceptive use, and a behavior questionnaire on postpartum contraceptive use. Content validity was assessed and found to be between 0.84 and 1.00. The reliability of the knowledge assessment tool was determined using the Kuder-Richardson method, yielding a value of 0.82. The questionnaires had Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.76, 0.86, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

The research findings indicate that postpartum mothers have a good level of knowledge regarding the use of postpartum contraceptives (M = 12.35, SD = 1.79) Postpartum mothers' attitudes toward contraceptive use were good (M = 2.43, SD = 0.59) and contraceptive use behavior was good (M = 2.37, SD = 0.64). Knowledge about contraceptive use was negatively correlated with postpartum contraceptive behavior, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level (r = -0.070, p < 0.05), while attitudes toward contraceptive use were positively correlated with postpartum contraceptive behavior, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level (r = 0.126, p < 0.05). The recommendation is that relevant government agencies should organize activities to promote positive attitudes toward appropriate contraceptive behavior.