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. CONCLUSION 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.