Evaluation of subdermal implants among family planning acceptors in a tertiary hospital, Nigeria

Background: Subdermal contraceptive implants are safe, convenient, very effective and reversible. Though they have numerous benefits, their use is still discontinued due to various reasons including side effects in the body of acceptors. Objective: To determine and compare the prevalence rates, side effects, discontinuation rates and indications for discontinuation of two subdermal implants (Jadelle and Implanon) at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study of 874 clients attending family planning clinic at the RSUTH from 1st January, 2015 – 31st December, 2019 was conducted. Their records were retrieved from the clinic and reviewed. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Result: Four hundred and twenty five women used subdermal implants out of 874 acceptors of contraceptives within the study period giving an uptake rate of 48.6%. Implanon was more preferred accounting for 66.6% and Jadelle 33.4%. The mean age was 33.24+4.13 years. Most age group was 30-34 years accounting for 51.3%. Age range was 20-48 years and most (80%) were multiparous. Most (99.1%) were Christians and 98.4% were married. Only one client (0.2%) had no formal education. Seventy three (26.4%) acceptors discontinued the use. Most were due to desire for pregnancy (46.4%) and menorrhagia (24.1%). Four unintended pregnancies occurred giving a Pearl index of 0.9. Conclusion: Subdermal implants are safe and effective. Menstrual abnormality and desire for pregnancy were the commonest reasons for discontinuation.