Determinants of injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception among women of reproductive age: A study from Southern Haryana, India

Abstract

Introduction: The safety and effectiveness of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) (available by the name of “Antara” in Government of India supply) has resulted in inclusion of this injectable contraceptive in the basket of family planning choices and thus has opened the way for clients to avail of a safe, effective, and hassle-free method with full confidentiality, which is also free of cost in public health facilities all over India. Material and Methods: This community-based study with cross-sectional design was conducted during April 2019–October 2019. During first 3 months of the study, all the females who adopted the DMPA contraception were included in the study and the factors for opting DMPA were assessed. Results: Among those who had previously used contraceptives, oral pills were the most prevalent method. Most of the clients who opted to DMPA agreed that they switched because of privacy and confidentiality attached to DMPA. The side effects were reported by more than four-fifth of subjects, and the most common side effects were irregular spotting per vaginally, amenorrhea, and weight gain. Conclusion: The present study has shown some light regarding the factors responsible for injectable DMPA uptake as a family planning method and the facilitators and barriers to consistent injectable DMPA use. The study findings are expected to be utilized for framing policies to improve compliance of DMPA and making it more acceptable, client-friendly initiative.

Keywords

• confidential
• discontinuation
• health-care worker
• side effects