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

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.