Impact of Structured Counseling with Trained Counselors in Choosing a Modern Contraceptive Method in India

摘要

Objective The study was designed to determine the impact of structured counseling by trained contraceptive counselors in a real-life clinical setting on the adoption of modern contraceptive methods in comparison with past contraceptive experience. Methods Current study was a retrospective, non-interventional design, from the data collected in the time period of March to September 2013 across four clinics with predominant obstetric and gynecological practice. Three hundred and fifty-one women consulting for contraception were counseled by trained counselors using standardized counseling tools. Results Of the 351 women counseled, 40.74?% ( n =?143) had never used a contraceptive (no method) and 42.74?% ( n =?150) women whose partner had or were using a “male condom.” Post-counseling by a trained counselor, there was a significant ( p n =?322) versus prior counseling (52.14?%, n =?183) proportion of women who had or were using a modern contraceptive. The change observed for each method pre-counseling (usage history) to post-counseling was as follows: combined oral contraceptive (COC) 1.99–5.41?%, progesterone-only pill (POP) 0.85–30.48?%; copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) 4.27–29.4?%; injectable contraceptive 1.71–20.51?%; male condom 42.74–1.42?%; no method 40.74–7.41?%; traditional 7.12–0.85?%; and sterilization 0.28–1.71?%. Conclusion This study is a first of its kind, conducted in the private sector, and clearly highlights the benefits of a trained counselor in contraceptive counseling with a significant proportion of women choosing a modern contraceptive. With a busy private practice, a trained counselor facilitates the clinician’s role and helped the women to choose a suitable modern contraceptive method.