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Burden and factors for the early resumption of sexual intercourse in the puerperium among new mothers at Kawempe national referral hospital and Mengo hospital, Uganda


Namulema Edith
Nakubulwa Sarah
Muhamadi Lubega

Abstract

Background: Early resumption of sexual intercourse in the puerperium is a concern for couples because it is often not discussed
during pre-natal or postpartum care.
Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to establish the current burden and factors associated with the early resumption of sexual intercourse within the puerperium at the National Referral Hospital and Mengo Hospital.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 445 parous women attending the six-week postpartum review
and the young child clinic at Kawempe National Referral and Mengo Hospitals between March and May 2021.
Results: The prevalence of ERSP within the puerperium was 39%. This study's earliest time to resume sexual intercourse was one week; the majority had resumed by week four (9.2%). Factors associated with the early resumption of sexual relations were the person’s tribe, going to the husband’s home after birth, and parity. The prevalence of sexual morbidities was 13%. Seventy-five (75%) of mothers did not receive information from the health care workers on when they can resume sex following childbirth.
Conclusion: Puerperal sexual intercourse is still prevalent in Uganda. Interventions to reduce the resumption of sexual intercourse
in the puerperium should focus on these determinants to delay puerperal sexual intercourse.


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eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905