Evaluation of telemedicine for contraceptive counseling given to pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of telemedicine for contraceptive counseling on knowledge levels and satisfaction with Family Planning Services. We collected data from 77 third-trimester pregnant women using a personal information form, Family Planning Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Satisfaction with Family Planning Services Scale and compared the data using chi-square test, Fisher’s exact chi-square test, t-test for independent and dependent groups and Mann-Whitney U analysis. The experimental group participants (n = 37) received two informative video visits for contraceptive counseling, while the women in the control group (n = 40) received routine face-to-face Family Planning Services at their primary health care center. Participants in the experimental group showed a greater increase in knowledge levels and higher satisfaction with Family Planning Services than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we determined that telemedicine for contraceptive counseling is a promising option even beyond the pandemic.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the study participants for their collaboration and to all health professionals working in the primary health care center where the study was conducted.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no competing financial interest or personal relationship that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Data-sharing statement

The data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

We did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.