Experience with Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device is effective, reversible and long term contraceptive method that is widely used in our environment with high acceptability and continuation rate. Objective: To determine the socio-demographic characteristics of acceptors and their experience with Intrauterine contraceptive device [IUCD] in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital [UMTH]. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of acceptors of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) at the family planning unit of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital during the st period 1st January 2008 to 31 December 2008. Results: A total of 1273 new contraceptive acceptors were seen at the family planning clinic during the study period, of which 710 (55.77%) women accepted and were given IUCD as a contraceptive method. Women aged 20-29 years comprised 45.8% of the acceptors and 96% of them were married. Grandmultiparous women constituted 43.24% and over 32% of the women had no formal education. Up to 70.98% of the acceptor used IUCD for child spacing and the commonest reason for discontinuation was the desire for pregnancy (5.21%). After a year, the continuation rate was 61.7% and the failure rate was 1.3% and all the pregnancies were intrauterine. In conclusion, the socio-demographic characteristics of IUCD acceptors are similar to previous studies butr the level of education of the clients is lower. It is an effective contraceptive with high acceptability and continuation rate.