Five-year experience with depot medroxy progesterone acetate injectable contraception.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of this article is to describe the characteristics and experiences of clients who used depot medroxy progesterone acetate for contraception. METHODS: A retrospective review of family planning records of clients who used depo-provera between 1992 and 1996 at the family planning clinic of University of Nigerian Teaching Hospital, Enugu. RESULTS: The mean age of clients was 32.7 +/- 5.2 years. Over 71% of clients had five or more children. Clients with no education (78.7%) or primary education (75.1%) were more likely to be grand-multiparous compared to women with at least secondary education (49.6%). Among clients with 1-4 living children, 81.3% used depo-provera for child spacing. Among those with 5-8 living children, 48.8% used it for child spacing. Menstrual abnormalities were the main complications but the commonest reason given for discontinuation was "husband's wish". The continuation rate at 36 months was 82.7%. CONCLUSION: Depot medroxy progesterone acetate is an acceptable and effective method of contraception. The involvement of men in family planning programmes cannot be over-emphasised as they significantly influence the decision of women regarding contraceptive use.