Subdermal Contraceptive Implants: Profile of Acceptors in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Subdermal contraceptive implants provide safe, effective, convenient, long term reversible fertility regulation, and because of their numerous non-contraceptive benefits are particularly suitable for women in developing countries. This study determines the socio-demographic characteristics of acceptors of subdermal implants, the timing of their use and their complications at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo. Materials and Methods: The record cards of all clients that accepted subdermal contraceptive implants over a four year period were reviewed. Results: There were a total of 1057 new contraceptive acceptors out of which 197 (18.6%) accepted contraceptive implants. The modal age group of the clients was 30-34 years (38.0%). One hundred and fifty six patients (79.2%) were mulitparous, 97.5% of the patients had attained secondary level of education while 92.4% were Christians. About 56.9% of the clients preferred to use implants to space child births, most of the implants were inserted during the first week of the menstrual period, and majority (78.2%) of the clients obtained their information concerning implants from clinic personnel. The most common complication was abnormal vaginal bleeding. Conclusion: contraceptive implants are very effective contraceptive methods that are mostly accepted and used by young, educated parous women who mostly preferred to space births. There is also a high continuation rate among acceptors so increasing availability of implants in family planning units nationwide could increase the number of women who utilize this method of contraception.