Continuation rates and reasons for removal among Implanon® users accessing two family planning clinics in Queensland, Australia☆
Received 1 May 2009; accepted 27 May 2009. published online 13 July 2009.
Abstract
Background
This study examined demographic profile, continuation rates and reasons for removal among Implanon® users accessing two family planning clinics in Queensland, Australia.
Study Design
A retrospective chart audit of 976 women who attended for implant insertion over a 3-year period between May 2001 and May 2004.
Results
Continuation rates showed that at 6 months after insertion, 94% of women continued, 74% continued at 1 year and 50% continued at 2 years. Metropolitan women were more likely than rural women to discontinue use because of dissatisfaction with bleeding patterns. Cox regression analysis showed that those attending the regional clinic experienced significantly shorter time to removal.
Conclusions
Implanon® continuation rates and reasons for removal differ between clinics in metropolitan and rural locations. A cooling-off period did not affect the likelihood of continuation with Implanon®. Preinsertion counselling should emphasize potential changes in bleeding patterns.
aFamily Planning Queensland, Queensland 4006, Australia
bSchool of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland 4059, Australia
cSchool of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia
Corresponding author. Tel.: +61 7 3250 0219.
☆ This clinical audit was funded by Organon (now Schering Plough) and Family Planning Queensland. Organon was not involved in the interpretation or reporting of the findings of the study. FPQ has received honoraria from Organon for contraception training sessions and Advisory Board attendance provided by Caroline Harvey. Organon provided travel support to Caroline Harvey for attendance at international contraception conferences. Charrlotte Seib and Jayne Lucke hold honorary positions as directors on the Board of Family Planning Queensland.
ABSTRACT