REVIEW OF CONTRACEPTION WITH NORETHISTERONE ENANTHATE (NORISTERAT) AT RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Nonye-Enyidah Esther Ijeoma* and Enyidah Nonyenim Solomon

ABSTRACT

Background: Noristerat is an effective, safe and reversible progesterone-only contraceptive. Although it has these good qualities, the side effects and complications may lead to its discontinuation. Objective: To determine the prevalence rate, side effects, discontinuation and indications for discontinuation of noristerat at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 874 clients attending family planning clinic at the RSUTH from 1st January, 2015 – 31st December, 2019. Their records were retrieved from the clinic and reviewed. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Result: Out of 874 acceptors of contraceptives within the study period, 37 accepted noristerat giving a prevalence rate of 4.2%. The mean age was 31.1+ 5.23 years. Age range was 23-48 years and the modal parity was para 4. Majority of the clients were married, 34 (91.9%), multiparous, 24 (64.9%) and had tertiary level of education, 28 (75.7%). The discontinuation rate was 29.7%. The commonest reasons for discontinuation as well as side effects of noristerat were menorrhagia, irregular vaginal bleeding and weight gain with each accounting for 3 (27.3%) respectively. There was no accidental pregnancy. Conclusion: The prevalence and discontinuation rates of noristerat were low. Menorrhagia, irregular vaginal bleeding and weight gain were the commonest side effects and reasons for discontinuation.

Keywords: Noristerat, side effects, discontinuation rate, acceptors, RSUTH.