PHYSICIANS EXPERIENCE WITH NORPLANT((R)) IMPLANTABLE CONTRACEPTIVES IN FINLAND

Norplant(R) contraceptives are manufactured in Finland, but the majori ty of Norplant(R) users live in the Third World. The objective of this study was to study Finnish family planning physicians' experience wit h and attitudes towards Norplant(R) contraceptives. Three data sources were used: (1) review of articles published in non-commercial Finnish medical journals between 1980 and 1990, (2) a sample of eleven physic ians known to have experience with Norplant(R) and chosen by a snow-ba ll method, and (3) a random sample of 22 physicians in charge of publi c family planning services stratified by municipality and degree of ur banization. The articles reflected a positive attitude towards Norplan t(R), but the authors did not believe that Norplant(R) should replace any previous method of contraception. In the random sample the amount of experience with Norplant(R) was low. In both groups the general att itude towards Norplant(R) was reserved. It was not used as a method of first choice, but was considered a good method for carefully selected women. Norplant(R) was considered troublesome for the physician, requ iring surgical procedures, producing side-effects and demanding time f or counselling. Adequate use of Norplant(R) calls for a good health ca re infrastructure, hygienic facilities and trained personnel. These ar e often lacking in Third World settings.