Women's perceptions with use of Implanon® contraceptive device at a primary healthcare facility in KwaZulu-Natal

Background: Early 2014, subdermal contraceptive implant was introduced in South Africa, Implanon® NXT, aiming to expand the method mix, increase effectiveness and availability to long-acting contraceptives. The initial uptake was extremely high, but concerns have been raised with treatment failure and high number of removals reported. Aim: The study focuses on describing women's perceptions with use of Implanon® at a primary health care (PHC) facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Setting: This study was conducted at a selected primary health care (PHC) facility in KwaZuluNatal. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive study design was used. Through purposive sampling, a sample of 60 women from 15 to 50 years old were recruited. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 24 software. Results: Study findings show that slightly above half of respondents, 32 or 58.1% expressed satisfaction towards the implant, 20 or 40.9% had stopped using the implant as a result of its major implications. It was found that an edge above half of respondents continued using the implant 28 or 50.9%, while close to half had abandoned it (27 or 49.1%). Some respondents reported that they were experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and low sex drive as serious unwanted side effects forcing them to stop using Implanon®. Conclusion: Side-effects and poor screening, counselling and support are major reasons for early removal. It is imperative to develop an effective screening tool and to re-train healthcare workers on Implanon® NXT. Contributions: This article contributes to increase awareness of women's perceptions about Implanon® contraceptive.

Attitudes towards and Knowledge about Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices among Women in the Reproductive Age Group in a Resource-Constrained Setting

Background. One of the strategies to reduce maternal mortality includes accessible and appropriate contraceptive services to all women. The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) has been identified as a cheap and effective means of contraception by the South African National Department of Health.Objective. To explore knowledge about the IUCD among women using the public health sector and identify any misconceptions.Methods. A sample of 150 women attending antenatal/postnatal clinics were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.Results. Forty-six percent (n=69) had some experience with the injectable form of contraception; and 2.7 (n=4) had used the IUCD; 70.7 (n=106) knew that the device does not prevent HIV transmission; 40.7 (n=61) knew that HIV-positive women can use the IUCD; 75.3 (n=113) believed that the IUCD causes heavy bleeding; 36.7 (n=55) knew that the device does not stop fertility indefinitely; 33.3 (n=50) knew that the IUCD can be inserted in the immediate postpartum period; and 26.7 (n=40) knew that the duration of use is 10 years. In terms of attitudes; 40.0 (n=60) expressed concern about the pain during insertion; 33.3 (n=50) believed the IUCD can cause cancer; and 32.0 (n=48) believed that the device interferes with normal sexual activities. Most participants 77.3 (n=116) acquired the information they had about the IUCD from the clinic during teaching and counselling sessions.Conclusion. This survey documented poor knowledge about the IUCD among women using the public health sector. However; the fact that there are few misconceptions and that clients rely on the clinic information should be seen as an opportunity to improve the situation

Potential for revitalisation of the diaphragm for family planning in Uganda: a rapid assessment of the feasibility of introducing the SILCS Diaphragm

This health systems assessment evaluated the feasibility of introducing a new contraceptive device, the SILCS single-size diaphragm, into the existing family planning method mix in Uganda. A total of 26 focus group discussions with 201 female and 77 male potential users and 98 key informant interviews with policymakers and providers were conducted between June and August 2010. Potential users, providers, and policymakers recognised that the SILCS Diaphragm could fill a gap in the method mix and expressed eagerness to make the SILCS Diaphragm available, particularly because it is nonhormonal and woman initiated. The diaphragm was viewed by all stakeholders as a method that would increase choice and could improve women's reproductive health in Uganda. Like many countries, Uganda's family planning programme is financially stretched, and clear support for the SILCS Diaphragm by end-users will need to be demonstrated before the product will be considered for public-sector introduction. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 77-86)

Contraceptive Choices among Women Attending the Fertility Research Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto

Background: One of the most sensitive and intimate decisions made by any individual or couple is that of fertility control . The knowledge of the factors which influence contraceptive choices may increase its acceptance and uptake. This study determines the choice and reason for contraception among new clients attending the Fertility Research Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study a structured questionnaire was administered to 251 consecutive clients; who attended the Fertility Research Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto between 1 July 2008 and 31 December 2008. Results: Most (58.2) of the clients were between 21 and 30 years of age. Many (42.6) were grand multipara. Majority (76.9) of the clients were married. The main source of ) was the physicians. Child spacing (87.7knowledge of contraception and referral (45.8) was the most common reason given for contraceptive use. Majority (55.8) of the clients chose Implanon and the least preferred method of contraception was the condom (2.0). Conclusion: Our data shows that the most commonly chosen contraceptive method in the study population was the Implanon. Child spacing was the main reason for seeking family planning while the source of contraceptive knowledge was the physicians

Contraceptive Practice in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Background: The high maternal and infant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa has been associated with unplanned pregnancy; high parity and short birth intervals. Use of effective contraceptive methods significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality and improved quality of life. This study determines the contraceptive practice among clients in a tertiary hospital. Method: The record cards of all clients that accepted contraceptive methods in the family planning clinic at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; Uyo over a 7-year period were reviewed. Results: There were 1094 new contraceptive acceptors during the study period. The modal age group of the clients was 25 - 34 years (59.3); majority of the clients were multiparous (59.8); christians (99.6) and 71.0had at least secondary school education. The most commonly accepted contraceptive methods were the intrauterine contraceptive device (45.0) and oral contraceptive pills (28.1); while clinic personnel (63.1); and friends and relatives (20.1) were the most common sources of information on contraception. Conclusion: Intrauterine contraceptive device and oral contraceptive pills were the most frequently accepted methods of contraception. We advocate increase in the contraceptive options including implants. The print and electronic media should be more involved in the awareness programs on contraception

Factors that Determine Utilisation of Mordern Contraceptives in East; Central and Southern Africa

A cross-sectional study to determine modern contraceptives utilization among women aged between 15 and 19 years was performed between September and October; 1991 in 5 countries of East Central and Southern Africa. The study involved both rural and urban area of Kenya; Uganda; Mauritius; Swaziland and Zambia. A total of 4513 women were interviewed of whom 2418 (53.6) were from the urban areas while 2096 (46.4were from the rural areas. The percentage distribution of contraceptive users was 33.2in urban and 48.9in rural areas. The proportion of users of traditional/natural contraception was 38.5. Overall the prevalence of contraceptive use was 29.5. Thus the natural/traditional methods were most popular in the region. The user rate of modern contraceptive methods ranged from 6.8for Zambia to 60for Mauritius. The study revealed that contraceptive prevalence rates were higher among women in urban areas (60) than in rural areas (40). The main factors influencing contraceptive use in order of importance included distance from residence to clinics; level of education attained; parity; marital status; approval by husbands/boyfriends and knowledge of family planning methods. Contraceptive use was highest in the age group of 20 to 34 years while it was lowest among young women aged 15-19 years

Family planning in peri-urban Uganda: factors in non-use of available and easily accessible family planning services

This paper presents findings of a study which was done on women living in peri-urban area in Uganda with available and easily accessible family planning services to determine the rates and; to identify factors which hinder women from using the services. A total of 160 women was interviewed and the data obtained was analyzed. About 64.4 per cent of women were not using and 48.8 per cent had ever used a modern method of family planning but had since stopped. A woman is less likely to use a modern method of family planning if she belongs to the age groups 15-19 and 40-44 years; if she is married; if she has no sons; if her youngest child's age is less than 1 and above 4 years; if she didn't attend antenatal care for the last pregnancy; if she delivered the last child outside hospital; if she desires more children; if she does not belong to a women's organization; if she previously didn't discuss family planning with her spouse. Introducing family planning information; education; counselling and motivation services at each contact with the women may significantly reduce the high rate of non-use of contraceptive methods

Malawi baseline K.A.P. study; rieal/1320; report on pilot study

The baseline study was prepared for the Malawi Social Marketing Project and used to gather information on use of condoms; child spacing; STD awareness and anti-malarials

A KAPB study to establish baseline data in targeted groups of selected districts of Malawi; for future HIV prevention campaigns: survey report [Draft]

This study finds that progress has been noted as to the degree in which AIDS is seen as a serious health problem; as to the awareness of the danger of sex with multiple partners and as to the possibility of avoiding AIDS. Furthermore; the use of condoms as a possible protection seems to be better accepted in the public than it was a year ago. The main trends of the findings show: a general awareness of HIV/AIDS and risk awareness; a preference for specific health educatioon methods such as radio; health talks and discussion among friends and partners; a general acceptance of condoms as protective barriers and a need for distribution and adjustment of guidelines for condom use

Accra Market Operations Research Project : final report June 1990

In February 1989; the National Secretariat of the National Council on Women and Development (NCWD) initiated a pilot project to bring family planning services to the Accra markets. This was an operations research project conducted in co-operation with the Center for Population and Family Health of Columbia University; New York with funds provided by USAID. The objectives of the project were to test the acceptability of sales of contraceptives by the traders in the traditional markets; to determine needs of training of market traders as sources of information and commodities and to test a system for reliable supply of the participating traders

Attitudes and use of the condom in Malawi: a report of Focus Group Findings; April 1991

The purpose of the study was to explore attitudies and use of the condom as well as specific advertising concepts; brand names; pack sizes; and prices for the condom among target male consumers. Results from this study will be used to guide the development of marketing and advertising campaigns for the condom

Men's role in child spacing

In many societies men are the major decision makers in the family and in the community. It is for this reason that an important programme such as child spacing; introduced by the government for the physical; mental; economic and social well-being of the family; the community and of the country as a whole; must involve men if it is to succeed

Notes on child spacing for extension workers; home economics workers; health surveillance assistants; and primary health care workers

A general overview of the child spacing programme; various modern methods of child spacing and instruction on how to present the main ideas

Logistics systems and contraceptive supply status review: Malawi child spacing and AIDS control programs January 21 - February 21, 1993

A forecast of national contraceptive needs and the logistitcs systems for their procurement and distribution

Low acceptance of intra-uterine contraceptive device among family planning acceptors in Lusaka Urban: the client's perspective

Some potential obstacles to IUCD acceptence that were identified were: inadequate knowledge about the IUCD; concerns about menstrual irregularities; negative attitudes of the male partners to the method

Condom use among soldiers in Tug-Argan and Arakan Baracks [sic]; Zambia

The study explored the patterns of condoms use among soldiers. A sample of 200 soldiers was randomly selected from Tug-Argan and Arrakan Barracks. The study revealed that respondents had adequate knowledge of AIDS. However respondents who claimed to be condom users did not use condoms during all casual sexual intercourse

The CBD validation study evaluation and research unit : preliminary report

This report analyses the characteristics and continuation rates of the CBD Programme new contraceptive acceptors in Zimbabwe from 1987 to 1989