Abstract
Background: Benefits of contraception are well elucidated, but when women switch or discontinue use, it impacts on overall determinants of fertility and reproductive health. The study aimed to determine patterns and reasons for contraceptive method switching or discontinuation. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study done at the family planning clinic of the hospital between January 2019 to December 2021. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, contraception and reasons for switching and discontinuation contraception. Data analysis was done with simple descriptive statistics using frequency tables and percentages. Results: There were 318 respondents, 147 (46.2%) switching methods, and 171 (53.8%) discontinuing. Implants were the most common form of contraception used by respondents (241, 75.7%). Among those switching contraception, majority were using contraceptive implants (104, 70.7%) switched to another class of contraceptives, either injectables or pills. While among participants discontinuing, majority also used contraceptive implants (137, 80.1%). The commonest reasons given by participants switching methods were abnormal uterine bleeding, headaches and weight gain. While among participants discontinuing, it was to have another child, or abnormal uterine bleeding. Conclusion: Women discontinued their contraceptive method when they were ready to have another child, and switched their contraceptive method due to side effects. Women sometimes switched from more effective long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods, to less effective methods. Contraceptive counselling needs to be improved, training on proper contraceptive implant insertion and removal, management of side effects associated with contraception are required to improve contraceptive uptake and reap its full benefits.
Published Version
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