Publication:

Postpartum implanon/nexplanon uptake in a tertiary hospital in West Africa

Background The postpartum period is viewed as an opportune period for uptake of contraception. Ghana has an unmet need for family planning of 30%. This study sought to determine the postpartum Implanon/Nexplanon uptake among women at a tertiary hospital.

Methods This was a retrospective study that analysed 391 Implanon/Nexplanon insertions between 2012 and 2015 at the reproductive health and family planning unit at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital.

Results Almost 69% (391/565) of all Implanon/Nexplanon insertions conducted between 2012 and 2015 were conducted in the postpartum period. Out of these postpartum insertions, 2.3% were done in the immediate postpartum period, 27.6% were done during the interval postpartum period and 70.1% were in the delayed postpartum period. Age and implant insertion status (first time ever or continuing) were significant determinants of postpartum Implanon/Nexplanon insertions. Compared to women less than 20 years of age, women in the age group 20-29 and 30-39 were 76% (AOR=0.24, CI=0.62-0.97) and 80% (AOR=0.20, CI=0.05-0.86) respectively less likely to have postpartum Implanon/Nexplanon  insertions done. Continuing users of implant insertions were 45% (AOR=0.55, CI=0.37-0.82) less likely to have post-partum Implanon/Nexplanon insertions done compared to first ever users.

Conclusions There is a high uptake of postpartum Implanon/Nexplanon use among patients who receive implant insertions at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. However immediate postpartum Implanon/Nexplanon insertions are low. There is the need to educate women and couples on the benefits of immediate postpartum implant insertion to avoid rapid repeat pregnancies.