Women’s perceptions with use of Implanon(®) contraceptive device at a primary healthcare facility in KwaZulu-Natal

BACKGROUND: Early 2014, subdermal contraceptive implant was introduced in South Africa, Implanon(®) NXT, aiming to expand the method mix, increase effectiveness and availability to long-acting contraceptives. The initial uptake was extremely high, but concerns have been raised with treatment failure and high number of removals reported. AIM: The study focuses on describing women’s perceptions with use of Implanon(®) at a primary health care (PHC) facility in KwaZulu-Natal. SETTING: This study was conducted at a selected primary health care (PHC) facility in KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive study design was used. Through purposive sampling, a sample of 60 women from 15 to 50 years old were recruited. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 24 software. RESULTS: Study findings show that slightly above half of respondents, 32 or 58.1% expressed satisfaction towards the implant, 20 or 40.9% had stopped using the implant as a result of its major implications. It was found that an edge above half of respondents continued using the implant 28 or 50.9%, while close to half had abandoned it (27 or 49.1%). Some respondents reported that they were experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and low sex drive as serious unwanted side effects forcing them to stop using Implanon(®). CONCLUSION: Side-effects and poor screening, counselling and support are major reasons for early removal. It is imperative to develop an effective screening tool and to re-train healthcare workers on Implanon(®) NXT. CONTRIBUTIONS: This article contributes to increase awareness of women’s perceptions about Implanon(®) contraceptive.