Utilization and discontinuation of contraceptive methods: the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) experience

Abstract

Background Contraception has an important role to play in reducing the high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Objective The objective is to determine the prevalence rate, methods and reasons for discontinuation of contraceptive methods at UCTH, Calabar. Method This was a retrospective study of all clients that utilised different forms of contraceptives at UCTH, Calabar from 1st January, 2009 to 31st December, 2013. Results A total of 5,381 clients used various methods of contraception while 13,492 live births were recorded giving the prevalence rate of 39.9% of total live birth. Common methods were intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) 1,745(32.8%) and injectable contraceptives 1,268(23.8%). Most clients 1,876(35.2%) were graduates while 81(1.5%) had no formal education. A total of 535(10.1%) clients discontinued different family planning method commonly due to desire for pregnancy and side effects. IUCD had the highest discontinuation rate. Conclusion The study revealed low prevalence rate of contraceptive use which was more among teenagers and illiterate women. The main reasons for discontinuation of different methods were desire for pregnancy, side effects and menopause. Creating more contraceptive awareness, improvement in contraceptive counselling and female education will help to improve contraceptive utilisation rate and reduce discontinuation rate.

Keywords

• Contraceptive, pregnancy, discontinuation, family planning, Calabar