Comparative acceptability of combined and progestin-only injectable contraceptives in Kenya.
OBJECTIVE
We compared 12-month continuation rates, menstrual bleeding patterns and other aspects of acceptability between users of Cyclofem and users of Depo-Provera.


METHODS
The life-table method was used to calculate quarterly continuation rates. In all, 360 Kenyan women were randomly assigned to one of the two contraceptives. User-satisfaction questionnaires were administered at 6 and 12 months or at discontinuation, whichever occurred first.


RESULTS
The 1-year continuation rate was 75.4% for Depo-Provera users versus 56.5% for Cyclofem users (p<.001). Main reasons for discontinuation included difficulty making clinic visits (45.1% for Cyclofem vs. 40% for Depo-Provera), menstrual changes (14.1% vs. 12.5%) and nonmenstrual problems (15.5% vs. 12.5%). None of the Depo-Provera users and 8.5% of the Cyclofem users claimed frequency of visits as the main reason for discontinuation. In all, 70.6% of the Depo-Provera users were amenorrheic after 12 months, as were 20.8% of the Cyclofem users.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1-year continuation rate was higher for Depo-Provera than for Cyclofem. There was no important difference in discontinuation rates because of menstrual problems; the difference mainly reflected the frequency of visits required.
Ruminjo
Joseph K
JK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Sekadde-Kigondu
Christine B
CB
Karanja
Joseph G
JG
Rivera
Roberto
R
Nasution
Marlina
M
Nutley
Tara
T
D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000139:chemically induced; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011897:Random Allocation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004958:Estradiol; C034528:CycloProvera; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate