P5

Title:

Patient and Partner Predictors of Postpartum Contraception and inter-Pregnancy Interval: The P5 Study

Dates:

March 2025 – November 2029

Funding Source:

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Grant Number:

R01HD117463

Background:

Nearly 1 in 5 postpartum patients will have a repeat pregnancy after a short interpregnancy interval (sIPI), defined as less than 18 months between a prior birth and subsequent conception. Several adverse outcomes are linked to sIPI, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality. Risks are greatest for shorter IPIs and unintended pregnancies. Guidelines therefore recommend clinicians advise postpartum patients to avoid a sIPI of <6 months and consider delaying pregnancy for 18 months; contraceptive options should also be discussed.

Abstract:

We will conduct a longitudinal cohort study among 960 English- and Spanish-speaking postpartum patients recruited from academic and community health centers in Chicago, IL and any eligible, cohabitating partners (N=400). Data will be collected at 6 timepoints over 21 months to capture modifiable, multilevel factors affecting postpartum contraceptive use and unintended sIPI.

Our aims are to:    

Aim 1: Examine the effect of patient health literacy and psychosocial and behavioral factors on birth spacing knowledge, postpartum contraceptive method choice, use, and unintended sIPI. 

Aim 2: Investigate the impact of the health system on patient postpartum care utilization, birth spacing knowledge, postpartum contraceptive method choice, and unintended sIPI.

Aim 3: Among dyads, explore the influence of patient and partner health literacy and psychosocial and behavioral factors on postpartum contraceptive method choice, use, and unintended sIPI.

Contact:

• Principal Investigators: Stacy Cooper Bailey, PhD MPH
• Project Lead: Guisselle Wismer, MPH