Contraception and haemoglobinopathies in Ibadan, Nigeria. An evaluation of the effect on anaemia

The haemoglobin-genotype of women attending six family planning clinics in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria in a 16-month period was determined. Women with haemoglobinopathy S and C (Hb SS, SC and AC), in spite of the greater risks associated with pregnancy in them, were found to use the services of the family planning clinics less than others (Hb AA and AS) in the population. Women with Hb AA or Hb AS on different contraceptives had similar levels of erythrocyte packed cell volume except that reduced levels were observed in Hb AS acceptors on oral contraceptives not containing an iron supplement.