PERCEPTIONS AND SATISFACTION AMONG NORPLANT USERS IN FINLAND

Objective. This study was designed to assess users' perceptions of and satisfaction with the Norplant contraceptive implant. Methods. A ques tionnaire was mailed to all women having had Norplant inserted one or two years before the study initiation in seven public out-patient fami ly-planning clinics in the capital area of Finland, of whom 82% respon ded (n=207). Results. Practically all women (97%) had experienced some side-effects and 72% considered at least one of them to be disruptive . Of these side-effects, bleeding irregularities proved most often bot hersome during the first 6 months of use, but depression and nervousne ss were relatively more important reasons for early removal. Regardles s of the ubiquity of side-effects, 78% were satisfied with Norplant. H igh satisfaction was common especially among older users with their se cond set of capsules. Dissatisfaction with the method was best explain ed by the experience of unexpected and disruptive side-effects. Conclu sions. Our results suggest that mental problems related to Norplant us e have received too little attention and that satisfaction is highest in carefully selected users among older women.