Acceptability of Norplant contraceptive subdermal implants in Kenya.

Abstract

Norplant contraceptive implants are a relatively new acquisition onto the Kenyan family planning scene. The method seems highly acceptable to a wide cross-section of Kenyan women in government and non-governmental organisations (NGO) clinics. One thousand, six hundred and fifty four clients were recruited into the programme of the largest family planning NGO between 1991 and 1994. Most of the acceptors were young with an average number of 2.6 living children. Half-yearly acceptance rates have been rising. There were minimal serious side effects reported, but 72.0% of the clients complained of some menstrual disruption. Site infection rates were 0.2%, the same as capsule expulsion rates and benign ovarian cyst. Continuation rates were good at 91.0% over the first year and 80.0% over the second year. Client profile and user characteristics are presented. Norplant seems to be a well accepted contraceptive method by young low-parity Kenyan women seeking long-term, continuous yet reversible contraceptive options.