The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48201

Rasha Dabash, MPH¹, Suellen Miller, PhD, CNM¹, Rokhaya Nguer, PhD¹, Viviane Ky, MPH², and Sandra Bjegovic¹. (1) Expanding Contraceptive Choice Program, Population Council, 1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, 212 339 0650, rdabash@popcouncil.org, (2) International Health, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 98-38 57th Ave, Apt 10D, Corona, NY 11368

In Senegal, over 19,000 women have used Norplant® contraceptive implants since the method was introduced in 1986. The Population Council’s Expanding Contraceptive Choice Program and the Ministry of Health conducted an evaluation of the Norplant program in order to make recommendations to improve quality of care and to locate women who are lost to follow-up (perdue de vue) and at possible risk for unwanted pregnancy. The first phase of the study entailed a review of client records to obtain profiles of all users, including 1186 perdue de vue clients. The review showed that the mean use of Norplant was 3.21 years, the majority of users had Norplant inserted post-partum, and almost half of users had never used contraception. Side effects are the most common reason noted for removal of Norplant prior to 2 years. Data suggest that while many women used the method to space births, at least 10% of Norplant users have had 2 continuous insertions of the method, and appear to be using Norplant to limit their family size. Reasons women become lost to follow as well as the reasons for multiple use of this long-term reversible method are being explored in phase II of this study. Surveys of providers and exit interviews of clients will be used to assess perspectives on and experiences with Norplant. Findings from both phases will be used to improve quality of care and to improve follow-up systems.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Norplant® program in Senegal
• Identify the profile of Norplant® users in Senegal, their reasons for using the method, and their satisfaction with the Norplant services.
• Understand the recommendations for improving implant services, including client follow-up mechanisms.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.