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Characteristics of Norplant users
P McClanahan1, M R Edwards, R Wise
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center-Monroe, 71210, USA. PMcCla@lsumc.edu
Objective:
To determine whether a profile can be developed to indicate which clients are the best candidates for Norplant by describing the characteristics of clients who use this contraceptive for 5 years and those who have it removed early.
Design:
A descriptive study of data collected from a convenience sample. SELLING: A state-supported university hospital's obstetric and gynecology outpatient clinic serving primarily indigent clients in the southern United States.
Participants:
Women (N = 256), primarily with low incomes, being seen for removal of Norplant contraceptive capsules. Of these, 166 women had completed the recommended 5 years.
Main Outcome Measures:
Characteristics of the clients who retained the contraceptive for the recommended 5 years and characteristics of clients who came for early removal.
Results:
Clients who retained the contraceptive for 5 years differed from those who did not on only three characteristics: race, age, and parity. No significant differences were found in education or marital status.
Conclusions:
No clear profile of successful Norplant users emerged. Instead, thorough counseling of each individual is essential to the client's completion of 5 years with Norplant. Advantages and disadvantages must be explained and the client's tolerance of possible side effects must be assessed, thereby helping the client to make an informed choice.