Inadvertent extended use of Implanon^R contraceptive implants by clients in Jos, Nigeria: An interesting finding

Abstract

Context: Contraceptive implants are popular methods among women accessing family planning in Jos. Women appear to be using these methods for longer periods despite adequate counselling including the use for a maximum period prescribed by the manufacturers.

Methodology: This was a retrospective, cross sectional study of all clients who had Implanon^R classic removed between May 2006 and December 2019. The register of acceptors of the implant was retrieved and relevant variables collated and analyzed for age, duration of use of the implant and the indication for removal. The data was analyzed using the Stata statistical software version 14, College Station, Texas, USA.

Results: A total of 1,805 implants were inserted, when all of them would have been removed, only 596(33%) were documented to have been removed. The mean age of the clients was 31.031 ± 5.56 years, range 18-51 years. The mean duration of use of Implanon^R was 29.370 ± 11.756 months, range 0.5-72months. About 83(13.9%) implants were used beyond the expected duration of use of 36 months. By the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th years, 86.1%, 97.5% and 99.2% had had the implants removed. Clients used the method beyond the stipulated expiration of the implants, up to twice the period expected. There was no failure or pregnancy recorded.

Conclusion: About one-sixth of women extended the use of Implanon^R implants. This may be more as only 33.0% of them returned for removal at the facility where it was inserted. However, there was no pregnancy recorded in this group of women despite the extended duration of use.