Attitudes to post partum sterilization and results of this procedure - abstract

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to examine the problems of post partum sterilization at the University Hospital, Jamaica. From 1953 to July, 1968, there were 2,150 post mortem sterilizations of a total of 31,000 deliveries. The frequency rose from less than 1 percent in 1953 to 9.1 percent in 1957. All patients were multiparae and 77 percent of all cases were sterilized by the Pomeroy technique. Multiparity was the sole indication in 68 percent. The average age was 35 and parity 6.1. There was an overall failure rate of 0.14 percent. One hundred women were interviewed two years after sterilization in order to assess the after effects of the process. In 27 percent there was an increase in sexual frequency which was described in 12 percent. Another survey was carried out on 100 women offered sterilization in 1968. All were over 30 years old and had at least 7 children. Fifty two rejected the proposal immediately and fear was the major deterrent. Among antenatal patients knowledge of family planning was good and all patients were aware of at least 2 methods. These data indicate the attitude of patients to sterilization and the increase of this method of family limitation in the appropriate circumstaces (AU)