Introduction of Norplant implants in four counties of rural China: a two-year evaluation

This article describes the first two years of Norplant implants use among 1560 acceptors in four counties of rural north China. Continuation of use was high, 88.4% after two years. Disruption of the menstrual cycle was the predominant side effect and the predominant reason for termination. Clinical performance among the four counties was diverse, with two-year continuation rates ranging from 73.9% to 95.3%. Factors that may contribute to the diversity among study sites and the overall high continuation rate are discussed in the context of Chinese family planning.