Probability of contraceptive continuation and its determinants

ABSTRACT

Probability of contraceptive continuation and factors associated with discontinuation were assessed in a retrospective study of women's records in Alexandria. Contraceptive continuation rates were 88/100, 75/100 and 56/100 women at 6, 12 and 24 months respectively. Reasons for discontinuation included side-effects and health concerns [30.4%], accidental pregnancy and personal reasons [6.4%] and desire for pregnancy [5.4%]. Women who were older and who had several children were most likely to continue contraceptive use. Three significant predictors of discontinuation were side-effects and health concerns, age of the woman and contraceptive method. Women should be fully informed of the contraceptive methods available and their side-effects, and counselling programmes should be offered, particularly during the first 2 years of use