NORPLANT(R) IMPLANTS ACCEPTABILITY AND USER SATISFACTION AMONG WOMEN IN 2 AFRICAN COUNTRIES

An analysis of 350 users of Norplant contraceptive subdermal implants from six centers in two African countries (Ghana and Nigeria) indicate s that method acceptability remained high among the women who used the method for five years. Overall, 90.1% of the 155 five-year users in t hese countries reported having a very favorable experience and 9.9% a favorable experience with Norplant implants. Ease of use was cited by 56.1% and duration of use by 23.6% of the women as the mast liked char acteristics of the method at study completion after live years. Menstr ual disturbance was the least liked aspect, by 42.9% of the women. On average, women who discontinued early from the study had fewer living children and were more likely to desire additional children at method adoption than those who completed five years of use; the differences w ere statistically significant. Differences in level of education and p revious use of contraception were not found to be statistically signif icant between completers and non-completers. Differences in age were n ot significant in Nigeria, but were marginally significant in Ghana, w ith completers being older than non-completers. Of the clients who com pleted this study, 79.2% indicated a desire to continue with contracep tion and 43.9% planned to have a second set of implants inserted. Thes e findings have important implications for counseling, method access a nd service sustainability in African countries.