Continuing Medical Education

Uptake and early removals of Implanon NXT in South Africa: Perceptions and attitudes of healthcare workers

O A Adeagbo, S Mullick, D Pillay, M F Chersich, C Morroni, N Naidoo, M Pleaner, H Rees

Abstract


Background. The South African (SA) government introduced Implanon NXT, a long-acting subdermal contraceptive implant, in 2014 to expand contraceptive choice. Following an initial high uptake, its use declined considerably amid reports of early removals and frequent side-effects. We examine providers’ perceptions of training and attitudes towards Implanon NXT, as well as their views on the causes of early removals and the impact on the implant service.

Objective. To assess healthcare providers’ perceptions and attitudes towards implant services in SA.

Methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight nurses providing implant services in public facilities in Gauteng and North West Province. Emerging themes were identified, manually coded and thematically analysed following an interpretivism approach.

Results. Nurses lacked confidence in providing implant services effectively, particularly removals, which they ascribed to the brief, cascade-type training received. Nurses generally held negative views towards the method. They also reported that side-effects are the most common reason for early removals – particularly irregular bleeding – and that men often do not support their partners who use the method. Lastly, it was found that providers require guidance on counselling regarding the method and standardised guidelines on the management of side-effects.

Conclusion. Retraining and support of providers are needed to address competency gaps and negative attitudes towards the method. Assessment of providers’ readiness to perform removal procedures is also important. Finally, effective plans are necessary to improve implant continuation rates, especially among women whose partners are unsupportive.


Authors' affiliations

O A Adeagbo, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

S Mullick, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

D Pillay, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

M F Chersich, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

C Morroni, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; EGA Institute for Women’s Health and Institute for Global Health, University College London, UK; The Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana

N Naidoo, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

M Pleaner, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

H Rees, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

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Keywords

Implanon NXT; Contraception; Subdermal implant; South Africa; Etonogestrel; Providers' training and perceptions

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2017;107(10):822-826. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2017.v107i10.12821

Article History

Date submitted: 2017-09-22
Date published: 2017-09-22

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