NORPLANT clinical study in Thailand.

A pilot study of 955 Thai women on NORPLANT (levonorgestrel subdermal implant) was started in May 1980 to evaluate the acceptance side effects effectiveness and continuation rate of this method. The mean age of NORPLANT users in 5 centers ranged from 25.6 years to 29.4 years. More than 80% (with the exception of 1 center) had ever used some form of contraception. The oral pill was the most frequently used method. 48% of the acceptors said that they were contacted by health personnel. previous NORPLANT acceptors were the source of information for 33.1% of the acceptors. The long-acting property of NORPLANT was the most attractive reason for its acceptance (31.3%; 25.7% chose it to avoid troublesome adverse effects of other methods; and 16.5% just wanted to try this method. The husband seemed to be the most influential person in making the decision to accept this method (61.8%). Of the 704 acceptors interviewed 6% said that they did not feel any pain except when local anesthetic infiltration was undertaken. After insertion 304 women (43.2%) resumed their normal activity immediately. Local reaction at 1 and 4 weeks after insertion was seen in 57 women. Ecchymosis near the incision occurred in 8 (14%). Mild to moderate itching around the incision occurred in 5 (88%). Mild pain and discomfort were reported in 7 (12.3%). 630 (89.5%) reported that their health had been unaffected; 74 (10.5%) thought it was better. Menstrual disturbance was the chief complaint in 56%. 57.5% were highly satisfied; 40.8% were moderatley satisfied. Only 1.7% were not satisfied. After 12 months of use the continuation rates varied from 84% to 98.5%. Reasons for discontinuation are shown.