The acceptability of self-administration of subcutaneous Depo-Provera.
Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, or DMPA) is an important contraceptive option for women worldwide. Currently, it is only available in intramuscular form requiring regular quarterly routine attendance at a health facility. A new subcutaneous preparation has been developed. This is self-administrable and could potentially reduce need for routine attendance to an annual visit. In a questionnaire survey of 176 women currently using DMPA, 67% would prefer to self-administer. Of the 33% who did not wish to self-administer, the most common reasons were a fear of needles (62%) and concern regarding incorrect administration (43%). In a second survey of 313 women not currently using DMPA, 64% of women said they would prefer to attend less often for contraceptive supplies. Twenty-six percent of women who had never used DMPA and 40% of ex-users would seriously consider DMPA if self-administration were possible. Our findings would suggest that the advent of subcutaneous self-administrable Depo-Provera with appropriate training and reminder system is likely to be beneficial and popular with many women.
Lakha
Fatim
F
NHS Lothian Primary and Community Division, Family Planning and Well Woman Services, Edinburgh, EH4 1NL Scotland, UK. fatim.lakha@ed.ac.uk
Henderson
Charlotte
C
Glasier
Anna
A
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate