RESUMO
Background: Use of modern contraceptive methods has been shown to reduce unwanted pregnancy; high parity and maternal mortality. Intrauterine contraceptive devices which are among the safest and most effective reversible contraceptives available; are particularly suitable for women in developing countries as they are affordable; convenient to use; do not require re-supply visits and are very cost-effective. The aim of this study is to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of intrauterine contraceptive device acceptors; the pattern of insertions and complications at the University of Uyo Teaching hospital; Uyo. Method: The record cards of all clients who had intrauterine contra- ceptive device inserted at the family planning clinic over a six-year period were reviewed. Results: During the study period; there were 852 new contraceptive acceptors out of which 39.7accepted the intrauterine contraceptive device. The modal age group of the clients was 25-29 years (32.5). Acceptance of intrauterine contraceptive device was most common among multiparous clients (65.1). Majority of the acceptors were married (90.0); Christians (98.8) and 72.8had at least secondary school education. Clinic personnel (65.7) and friends/relatives (21.3) were the most common sources of information on contraception. Most (93.5) of the clients had their intrauterine contraceptive devices inserted within 7 days of menstruation. Lower abdominal pain (5.5) and vulval/vaginal itching (5.3) were the most common complications. Conclusion: The acceptors of intrauterine contraceptive devices in our center were young; multiparous and educated women. Increasing mass media involvement in the dissemination of accurate information about intrauterine contraceptive devices to the general populace; the introduction of postpartum and post-abortal intrauterine contraceptive device insertions and the encouragement of our grandmultiparous women to accept intrauterine contraceptive device would lead to an increase in its acceptance and use