Contraception post-obstetric event and subsequent pregnancy in adolescents: health personnel perspectives in Mexico

Objective.To identify how the strategy of providing contraceptive methods after any obstetric event (APEO, its Spanish acronym) is implemented and to analyze the barriers, actions and recommendations to prevent subsequent pregnancies in adolescents. Materials and methods. Qualitative study through content analysis of 21 semi-structured interviews with health services providers from two Mexican states. Results. The provision of contraceptives after any obstetric event is promoted during pregnancy, childbirth, postabortion, puerperium and up to 12 months after the obstetric event. Counseling should address, in addition to technical information on contraceptive methods, other key issues related to the sexual and reproductive rights of adolescents. We identified personal, institutional and social barriers in the implementation of the strategy. Health staff provided specific recommendations and actions for consolidate this strategy. Conclusion.The APEO strategy must be strengthened to guarantee the supply of services according to the needs of women under 20, as well as to design interventions based on good practices and health providers' recommendations to overcome barriers and have longer birth intervals that imply further births beyond adolescence.