An analysis of contraceptive discontinuation among female, reversible method users in urban Honduras

Janine Barden-Ofallon, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ilene S. Speizer, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A panel study examining the effects of individual characteristics, side effects experienced, and service quality on contraceptive discontinuation was undertaken in four urban areas of Honduras. The data were collected October 2006-December 2007. The baseline population included 800 women aged 15-44 who were new or continuing users of the injectable, IUD, or oral contraceptive pill. A total of 671 women (84%) were re-interviewed after one year. Life tables and Cox proportional hazards models are used to present discontinuation rates and factors jointly associated with contraceptive discontinuation. Among new users, discontinuation of the baseline method at twelve months was high (45%); especially for users of the injectable (50%). In the joint model, service quality had little effect on discontinuation, while individual characteristics and the experience of specific side effects showed significant effects. The results suggest that programs should emphasize continuous contraceptive coverage rather than continuous use of a particular method.