Five-year review of copper T intrauterine device use at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

BACKGROUND: The intrauterine devices (IUDs) are widely used contraceptive methods all over the world today. They are effective and recommended for use up to 10 years. They are not without side effects, which often prompt the users to request for removal. OBJECTIVE: To determine the utilization rate of copper T intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), side effects, and request for removal at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. METHODS: The data on usage of the various forms of temporary contraception provided by the Family Planning Clinic of this center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010 were collated. The records of usage of IUCD during same period were carefully studied. RESULTS: During this period, a total of 10,880 users were provided with various forms of contraceptives. Copper T IUD was the commonest form of contraception used at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Family Planning Unit over the period under review (2006-2010) with a rate of 4,069 (37.40%). There was a yearly higher request for IUCD over other forms of contraceptives over the period. Of a total of 4,069 users of the copper T IUD method over the period, 1,410 (34.65%) belonged to the age group of 25-29 years. Eleven (4.61%) of the users requested for its removal due to abnormal vaginal bleeding, while five (2.08%) removed theirs due to abnormal vaginal discharge. The major reason for removal was the desire for pregnancy that accounted for 165 (70.26%), while one (0.51%) was removed due to dysmenorrhea. CONCLUSION: The copper T380A was very effective, safe with fewer side effects, and easily available in this study. The request for removal is also low in our environment.

Awareness of birth preparedness and complication readiness in southeastern Nigeria.

The aims of this study are to assess the awareness and intention to use maternity services. This was a multicentric study involving 800 women. Educational status was the best predictor of awareness of birth preparedness (P = 0.0029), but not a good predictor of intention to attend four antenatal clinic sessions (P = 0.449). Parity was a better predictor of knowledge of severe vaginal bleeding as a key danger sign during pregnancy than educational level (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.3849, resp.). Plan to identify a means of transport to the place of childbirth was related to greater awareness of birth preparedness (χ(2) = 0.3255; P = 0.5683). Parity was a highly significant predictor (P = 0.0089) of planning to save money. Planning to save money for childbirth was associated with greater awareness of community financial support system (χ(2) = 0.8602; P = 0.3536). Access to skilled birth attendance should be promoted.