Anthropometric Characteristics of Women on Hormonal Contraceptives in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)

Background: Contraception is essential in population control, determining the number and spacing of children. The use of contraceptives has been on the rise because people do not always have sex for the purpose of procreation. Women of childbearing age prefer hormonal contraceptives, because they are highly effective and their effects are reversible. The aim of the study was to  appraise the anthropometric profile of women on hormonal contraceptives. Materials and Methods: The study included women on hormonal contraceptives from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (family planning clinic) and those who do not use contraceptives, from University of Port Harcourt Post Graduate School. A total of two hundred (200) volunteers were involved in the study; 100 women on hormonal contraceptives and 100 women who were not under any form of hormonal contraceptive (as control) were randomly selected. Height was measured using a stadiometer and stature meter, weight, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage was measured using body composition monitor. Mid arm, waist, hip and neck circumference was measured using a measuring tape, while skin fold thickness was measured using a skin fold caliper. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Tool pack (2019 Edition) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0). T-test was done to determine differences in anthropometric parameters for those on contraceptives and the control, and type of contraceptive (implants and injectables). Significant difference with regards to age and duration of contraception were determined using ANOVA at P < 0.05. Results: Except for skeletal muscle mass, women on hormonal contraceptives have higher but non-significant mean values for all anthropometric parameters compared to the control. Age related differences were not observed for the three (3) age categories involved in the study (20 – 29 years; 30 – 39 years; ≥ 40 years). Type of contraceptive (implants and injectables) also do not have any significant effect on the anthropometric parameters of the study group and the control. Gradual increase in measured parameters were observed over time, but no significant difference was observed over the period of five (5) years as categorized (< 1 year, 1 - 2 years, 3 - 4 years and ≥ 5 years). Conclusion: These findings will be relevant to gynecologists, obstetricians, family physicians , medical anthropologists and research scientists.