Potential barriers to the removal of Norplant among family planning clinic patients. |
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| Authors: | D Kalmuss A Davidson L Cushman S Heartwell and M Rulin |
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| Institution: | Center for Population and Family Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. |
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| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: This study examined the prevalence and effects of potential barriers to removal of levonorgestrel implants (Norplant) among low-income women. METHODS: A sample of 687 women who received Norplant at hospital-based family planning clinics were interviewed before Norplant insertion and 6 months after Norplant insertion (or at Norplant removal if removal occurred earlier). Those who continued to use Norplant were reinterviewed at 2 years or at removal. RESULTS: In a multivariate analysis, only 1 of the 4 potential barriers--cost--significantly impeded Norplant discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Family planning clinics need to make clear that they follow a policy of Norplant removal on demand, regardless of the patient's ability to pay. |
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