Compliance and user satisfaction with the intra-uterine contraceptive device in Family Planning Service: the results of a survey in Fife, Scotland, August 2004.
OBJECTIVE
The study was designed to assess user satisfaction and duration of use of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) in Fife.


METHODS
A questionnaire was given to 254 women attending a Fife Family Planning Clinic, in whom an IUD had been fitted over 3 years ago, with a 71% response rate.


RESULTS
The majority of respondents were over age 30 years (81%) and parous (91%). The most frequently used IUD was the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS: 39%), with the rest of the coils being an assortment of copper-medicated coils. Side effects were common, occurring in 92% of users and compliance was low, with 23% using for less than 1 year. Comparisons between LNG-IUS and other IUD-users showed similar side-effects, although mood disorders were higher with LNG-IUS.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall satisfaction rates with the family planning service were high. Methods to improve IUD uptake and compliance are needed, particularly in younger women and nulliparous women.
Carnegie Clinic, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland.
Rupa
R
Tewari
Vanessa J
VJ
Kay
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel