Publication: Hormonal Contraceptives Use and Their Adverse Effects: A Cross-sectional Study among the Women Visiting Tertiary Care Center
Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Hormonal contraceptives are one of the most commonly used means of contraception.
Lack of contraception may lead to large family size, increased preexisting illness on
pregnancy, social and economic instability, risk of unsafe abortion and so on. This may
also lead to unintended pregnancies which may alter the outcomes of pregnancies
as well. However, improper uses are associated with several serious adverse effects.
Therefore, to achieve the optimum benefit with the least adverse effects, safe and
effective use of these agents with monitoring of their pattern of use and patient
compliance is very essential.
Objective
To investigate the usage of hormonal contraceptives and the adverse effects
associated with them.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a family planning center of a tertiary care
hospital. All women of reproductive age using hormonal contraceptives for at least
1 month were included in this study. Informed consent was taken from the patients
and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed
by using SPSS 20.
Result
Among the 105 participants under this study, the mean (±SD) age was 29.08 (± 6.12)
years. A majority (42, 40.0%) of them were using injectables. The average duration
of use of hormonal contraceptives was 25.1 months ± 31.8 while a majority (60,
57.1%) were using contraceptives from < 3 months. Less chance of missed dose was
the major reason (26.8%) for choosing injectable. Adverse effects were reported by
75.2% of the patients. The most common adverse effect was menstrual abnormalities
(21.7%).
Conclusion
Among various hormonal contraceptives, injectables were more commonly used.
The majority of the participants responded to use injectables because of the
least chance of missing the dose. The most common adverse effect reported was
menstrual abnormalities.
KEY WORDS
Adverse effect, Family planning, Hormonal contraceptives, Implants, Injectables
Description
Shakya Shrestha S,1,2 Shrestha R,1,2 Shrestha S,3 Koju P,3 Shrestha A4
1Department of Pharmacology,
2Pharmacovigillance Unit,
3Research and Development Division,
4Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.
Keywords
Adverse effect, Family planning, Hormonal contraceptives, Implants, Injectables