RISK-FACTORS FOR DISCONTINUATION OF NORPLANT IMPLANT USE DUE TO MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS

The objective of the analysis reported here was to examine risk factor s for early discontinuation of Norplant implant use due to perceived m enstrual problems. Cox's proportional hazard regression model was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios that would reflect the relationsh ip of selected subject characteristics to the risk of early discontinu ation due to perceived menstrual problems. Approximately 13% of the st udy population discontinued for perceived menstrual problems. At the e nd of year 2, the gross cumulative life table discontinuation rate for perceived menstrual problems was 9.4 per 100 women and it rose to 16. 4 per 100 women at the end of year 5. Women in this study were signifi cantly more likely to discontinue Norplant implant use due to perceive d menstrual problems if they had a higher eduction level (> 12 years), had used no contraceptives in the month before Norplant implant inser tion, or had a relatively long average duration of menstrual flow at a dmission. Identifying potential risk factors such as these may help pr oviders to counsel and prepare women to use the Norplant implant metho d.