Weight changes in clients on hormonal contraceptives in Zaria, Nigeria

Saadatu Sule1, Oladapo Shittu

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. saasule@yahoo.com

Misconceptions exist in Nigeria about the effects of hormonal contraceptives on weight, which may have negative effects on contraceptive use. Data from case notes of clients attending the reproductive health centre at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, between 1993 and 1995, were analysed to determine the effects of hormonal contraceptives on body weight, comparing them to clients using intrauterine contraceptive devices. Weight changes were not significantly different in clients using hormonal contraceptives and those using intrauterine contraceptive devices. This information will be beneficial in contraceptive counselling for clients in this environment and provide a baseline for further research.

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