TITLE:
Evaluation of 68 mg Etonogestrel Subdermal Implant Uptake in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria: A 5-Year Retrospective Review
AUTHORS:
Emmanuel I. Ogumu, Chidebe C. Anikwe, Osita S. Umeononihu, Mbanefo Paul Okeke, Onyechrelam M. Ogelle, Ifenyiwa H. Anikwe, Lucky O. Lawani
KEYWORDS:
Implanon, Sub-Dermal Implant, Contraception, Abakaliki, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.15 No.2,
February
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Family planning is one of the pillars of the Safe Motherhood Initiative which is aimed at reducing unwanted pregnancy and maternal death. Objective: To evaluate the uptake, efficacy, and safety profile of 68 mg etonogestrel subdermal implant in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Ebonyi State. Materials and Methods: A 5-year retrospective descriptive analysis was carried out on 68 mg etonogestrel subdermal implant uptake among family planning attendees in AEFUTHA. The medical records of the clients that had 68 mg etonogestrel subdermal implant insertion were studied. Socio-demographic characteristics, side effects, discontinuation, and reasons for discontinuation were extracted and analyzed. Analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Data obtained were represented using frequency tables and pie chart. Results: During the study period, 2538 women accepted various methods of contraception, 14.3% (364) of the women used Implanon. The mean age of 68 mg etonogestrel subdermal implant users was 30.7 ± 13.4 years with a range of 20 - 44. Multiparous clients constituted 54.5%. The majority (55.2%) had secondary education as their highest level of education. Less than 20% of the acceptors had side effects, the commonest 24 (42.9%) being prolonged menstrual flow and followed by irregular menstrual flow 18 (32.1%). Discontinuation rate was 17.9%; desire to conceive. 40 (61.5%) was the commonest reason for discontinuation. Only one (0.3%) acceptor reported serious itching at the site of insertion. None of the women reported pregnancy during the period of use (Pearl Index = 0). Conclusion: The acceptance rate of 68 mg etonogestrel subdermal implant among the women is low, however, it is found be effective with good continuation rate in the center. Efforts should be made to increase its uptake so as to prevent unwanted pregnancy and associated sequelae.