Profile of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive Users

Abstract

Background: Long acting reversible contraceptive methods are safe, effective and their uptake is integral to increasing modern contraceptive prevalence rate. Their utilization is influenced by women’s reproductive health conditions and socio-economic background. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of women of reproductive age who chose these long-term contraceptive options.
Methods: A cross sectional study using a convenient sampling method was conducted among 74 women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) over a three-month period at Kathmandu Medical College, after obtaining ethical approval. Demographic and obstetric details of the participants were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version (SPSS) version 21, with descriptive statistics employed to describe participants’ characteristics.
Results: Among all women seeking contraceptive advice, 28 (37.33%) chose long-acting methods. The subdermal implant was most commonly preferred by women with prior spontaneous abortion and unintended pregnancies. The levonorgestrel intrauterine device was preferred by comparatively advanced aged women (mean age of 38 ± 6.2 years) ,compared to 33.67 ± 3.9 years for copper intrauterine device users and 32.49± 7.6 years for subdermal implant users. Most users 49 (66.21%) were from the Brahmin/Chhetri caste.
Conclusions: The subdermal implant emerged as the most preferred Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive method. Caste and education levels significantly influenced contraceptive choices, highlighting the influence of socio-demographic and reproductive health factors in shaping choices for long term birth control methods.
Keywords: Contraception; drug implant; intrauterine device; LARC.