A 4 Year Experience with Copper T Intrauterine Contraceptive Device at Federal Medical Centre (Fmc), Katsina

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of contraceptive use is still very low in Nigeria. Use of modern contraceptive methods has been shown to reduce unwanted pregnancy, high parity and maternal mortality. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the acceptance rate of intrauterine contraceptive method, the socio-demographic characteristics of its users, side-effects, discontinuation and the reason thereof, at Federal Medical Centre, Katsina. Method: A retrospective study that reviewed records of all clients who used intrauterine contraceptive method at the family planning clinic over a 4-year period (1st January 2011 to 31st December 2014). Results: Out of the 1892 family planning clients, 111 used IUCD, with IUCD acceptance rate of 5.87%. The modal age group was 20-24 years (30.0%). Most of them (n=54) were grandmultiparous (48.6%), and of Islamic faith (98%). Almost all the clients were married (97.8%), and majority had secondary education (71%). Thirty- ive (31.5%) of the users discontinued the method, with the commonest indication being desire for pregnancy (45.7%). No contraceptive failure was recorded during the study period. Conclusion: IUCD is the fourth commonly used method. Its use is influenced by maternal age, parity and literacy level. In spite of its long duration of action, most of the reversal was due to the desire for pregnancy. Acceptability of IUCD can be improved by health education, adequate counseling and careful client selection.