A randomized clinical trial of two emergency contraceptive pill regimens in a Ugandan population.
BACKGROUND
Recent trials on emergency contraception (EC) have indicated that levonorgestrel (LNG) used alone has fewer side-effects and is more efficacious than the Yuzpe regimen (high dose combined oral contraceptive pills). However, the experienced side-effects and acceptability may vary between different groups or societies.


OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to determine side-effects and acceptability of two emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) regimens among users in Kampala, Uganda.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
A total of 337 women were enrolled in a double blind randomized clinical trial. Women requesting ECPs within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse received either LNG or the Yuzpe regimen. The women returned for follow-up after three days and a follow-up interview was performed after one year.


RESULTS
Levonorgestrel had significantly fewer side-effects than the Yuzpe regimen (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between having worries about the method and experiencing side-effects (p < 0.001). Most women (81%) were prime users of EC. The majority would recommend ECP to other clients.


CONCLUSIONS
Levonorgestrel is a superior option to the Yuzpe regimen and should be promoted as the recommended ECP. Having worries about ECP may influence experience of the side-effects. Correct information is critical in promotion of ECP use.
Byamugisha
Josaphat K
JK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, Faculty of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda. byamugisha2001@yahoo.com
Mirembe
Florence M
FM
Faxelid
Elisabeth
E
Tumwesigye
Nazarius M
NM
Gemzell-Danielsson
Kristina
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003906:Developing Countries; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016015:Logistic Models; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal; D016912:Levonorgestrel