<![CDATA[Postpartum contraceptive planning is an important component of maternal healthcare because timely contraceptive selection can prevent unintended and closely spaced pregnancies and support informed reproductive decision-making. However, the effectiveness of different educational media in improving the psychological determinants of postpartum contraceptive selection remains insufficiently established. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of video-based and leaflet-based education in improving perceptions and decision-making regarding postpartum contraceptive method selection among third-trimester pregnant women. A quantitative quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest two-group design was conducted among 40 third-trimester pregnant women at the Sukomoro Community Health Center, Magetan, Indonesia. Participants were allocated equally to a video-based education group (n = 20) and a leaflet-based education group (n = 20). Perceptions and decision-making were assessed using a structured questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, independent-samples t-tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests according to data distribution. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements following the intervention (p < 0.001). Perception scores increased from 64.95 ± 3.44 to 84.00 ± 4.03 in the video group, compared with 65.40 ± 3.05 to 73.50 ± 2.01 in the leaflet group. The between-group posttest difference was 10.50 points (95% CI: 8.46–12.54; p < 0.001). Decision-making also improved significantly in the video group (Z = −4.038; p < 0.001), with a significant post-intervention difference between groups (U = 2.00; Z = −5.577; p < 0.001). Video-based education produced greater immediate improvements in maternal perceptions and decision-making than leaflet-based education. Video-based education may therefore serve as a useful component of antenatal counseling to strengthen informed postpartum contraceptive planning.]]>
