Matthew Anyanwu1,2, Bom Wekye Ndam Alida2. 1. Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul The Gambia. 2. School of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The contraceptive method has become an essential factor in the life of most women of reproductive age group; although it varies in different stages of their life course. The use of long acting reversible methods (LARC) is proposed as a strategy to reverse undesirable maternal health consequences in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptive in The Gambia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study of women attending family planning clinic were studied using intervieweradministered questionnaire which included information on socio-demographic factors, reproductive health and contraceptive use of the participants. RESULTS: About 89 % of study participants used long acting reversible contraceptive methods. Of the three commonly available long acting reversible contraceptive methods, Depo Provera was the most commonly used method; 78 of 141 (55.32%); followed by implants (43.3%) and intrauterine contraceptive (1.42%). Being housewives, with 3-4 living children and having secondary level education were associated with high uptake of LARC. CONCLUSION: The uptake of long acting reversible contraceptive was high; with Depo Provera as the most commonly used contraceptive method in The Gambia. There seemed to be an increase in the uptake of implants; with intrauterine contraceptive device being the least commonly used method.
BACKGROUND: The contraceptive method has become an essential factor in the life of most women of reproductive age group; although it varies in different stages of their life course. The use of long acting reversible methods (LARC) is proposed as a strategy to reverse undesirable maternal health consequences in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptive in The Gambia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study of women attending family planning clinic were studied using intervieweradministered questionnaire which included information on socio-demographic factors, reproductive health and contraceptive use of the participants. RESULTS: About 89 % of study participants used long acting reversible contraceptive methods. Of the three commonly available long acting reversible contraceptive methods, Depo Provera was the most commonly used method; 78 of 141 (55.32%); followed by implants (43.3%) and intrauterine contraceptive (1.42%). Being housewives, with 3-4 living children and having secondary level education were associated with high uptake of LARC. CONCLUSION: The uptake of long acting reversible contraceptive was high; with Depo Provera as the most commonly used contraceptive method in The Gambia. There seemed to be an increase in the uptake of implants; with intrauterine contraceptive device being the least commonly used method.