Levonorgestrel Implant Continuation among Postpartum Women Admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Jadelle (Levonorgestrel) implant is a long-acting reversible contraceptives which is recommended for post-partum contraceptive device due to their high efficacy, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. The continuation of Jadelle implant prevents unintended pregnancies and maintain healthy spacing between the pregnancies, thus improving maternal and child health outcomes. However, Government has endorsed the long-acting reversible contraceptives as immediate post-partum contraception, the status of Jadelle implant continuity is unknown. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of levonorgestrel implant continuation among postpartum women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women who had Jadelle implant inserted within 48 hours of delivery admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care centre. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee. Data from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020 were collected between 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022 from the hospital records. Patients were interviewed after 2 years through phone calls. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Out of 157 post-partum women, 145 (92.36%) (88.20-96.52, 95% Confidence Interval) had levonorgestrel implant in-situ. Conclusions: The prevalence of levonorgestrel implant continuation among postpartum women admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was similar to other studies done in similar settings.

Keywords

• contraception; family planning; levonorgestrel; postpartum period; pregnancy.