Effect of the REDI Counselling Approach on the Use of Modern Postpartum Contraceptive Methods among Adolescent Mothers in Iran

Abstract

Rapid repeat pregnancies expose adolescent mothers and their neonates to a greater risk of adverse outcomes. One way to decrease rapid subsequent pregnancies is to increase the use of postpartum contraceptives. The study aimed to investigate the effect of a counselling method for family planning on the decision-making about the use of postpartum modern contraceptives immediately, 1 week, and 2 months following the counselling session. This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 352 adolescent mothers who visited health centres for baby care at 4 to 6 months following childbirth. The intervention group received one counselling session for family planning based on the model of Rapport-building, Exploring, Decision-making, and Implementing the Decision (REDI). The control group received routine services. The adolescent mothers in the intervention group were more likely to use modern contraceptives 1 week and 2 months following the counselling session. Two months after the counselling session, the demand for family planning with modern methods was calculated at 29 per cent and 78 per cent in the control and intervention groups, respectively. The results showed that the REDI counselling approach was effective as the use of modern contraceptives reported higher in the intervention group than the control group. Given the demonstrated link between the REDI framework for family planning counselling and the use of modern contraceptives, healthcare providers should be trained in counselling skills based on the REDI framework to strengthen counselling on contraception.