The effect of an educational video on the immediate insertion of postpartum contraceptive implants: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To assess the impact of an educational video on immediate postpartum contraceptive implant utilization.

Methods: This was a randomized controlled study conducted in a university hospital. Postpartum women aged over 18 years were recruited and divided into two groups: the intervention group, which viewed a 7-min educational video about contraceptive implants; and the control group, which did not. We evaluated the uptake of contraceptive implants immediately and during a 12-week period postpartum, in addition to the reasons for not selecting this method.

Results: A total of 202 participants were included in the study, 101 in each group. Viewing the educational video was associated with higher immediate postpartum contraceptive implant usage (22.77% vs 10.89%; relative risk [RR] 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-4.06). However, no significant difference was observed at the postpartum follow-up visit (29.9% vs 25.74%; RR 1.61, 95% CI 0.74-1.82). The primary reasons for not selecting contraceptive implants were concerns about potential side effects and discomfort associated with the insertion procedure.

Conclusions: The inclusion of an animated educational video significantly improved immediate postpartum contraceptive implant uptake, making it a potentially viable strategy in settings with high rates of loss to follow-up. However, further research into how to address patients' fears regarding the implant is required.