Abstract

MENDES, José Eduardo et al. Reasons for interrupting hormonal contraception in a region of Portugal. Acta Obstet Ginecol Port [online]. 2018, vol.12, n.2, pp.118-125. ISSN 1646-5830.

Overview and Aims: Due to the scarcity of available information in Portugal in relation to the number of women who use and discontinue hormonal contraceptives, the aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with this behaviour. Study Design: The study population was drawn from seven primary health care units and consisted of 329 women between the ages of 18 to 45, who were users of those units. We estimated the overall proportion of past and current use of hormonal contraceptives. We then calculated the discontinuation rates and analysed the reasons for stopping and switching contraceptive methods. Population: Women between 18 and 45 years. Methods: Study participants anonymously completed a self-report questionnaire. The questionnaire included information on: age, marital status, educational level, and obstetric history (number of pregnancies, abortions [spontaneous and induced], number of live childbirths). All hormonal contraceptive methods available in Portugal at the time were shown, with generic and trade names. Results and Conclusions: Overall, 58.4% reported discontinuing at least one contraceptive method. The main reasons for the discontinuation were an adverse drug reaction (25.3%) and contraindication or medical advice (23.6%). The majority (71%) of adverse drug reactions began within the first year of usage and the main ones were headache (31.7%) and oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea (28.3%). Knowing the exact reasons why women abandon a contraceptive method is of the highest importance in improving contraceptive compliance. Medical doctors rely on this information to design counselling strategies and to provide the methods most widely used and accepted by women.

Keywords : Hormonal contraception; Contraceptive discontinuation; Population based survey; Primary Health Care.

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