Minor Side Effects, Tolerance and Discontinuation of Oral Contraception among Women in Rural Cambodia
Chivorn Var
Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia, No.14, St. 335, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Sheryl Keller
Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia, No.14, St. 335, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Rathavy Tung
National Center for Maternal Child Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Cambodia, No.31A, St.47, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Lu Yao
University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Alessandra N. Bazzano *
Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Contraceptive prevalence in Cambodia is relatively low, while maternal mortality, newborn mortality, and projected rates of abortion are high. Fears of side effects and health concerns appear to be the leading reasons for non-use of modern contraceptive methods. Data on contraceptive side effects was collected through a longitudinal study of women using oral contraception in rural Cambodia. Physical and perceived side effects were reported. One of the side effects reported, hot flashes, is not well documented. A perceived side effect which caused immediate discontinuation was that combined oral contraceptives cause fever and diarrhea in breastfed children. More common side effects were well tolerated. An opportunity exists to increase demand for contraception in Cambodia; understanding and addressing specific side effects which are particularly bothersome or which cause discontinuation, such as hot flashes, is an important step to improving the demand for contraception among women and families. This study sought to gather data on the specific side effects women were concerned about in order to find solutions which might encourage use and continuation.
Keywords: Combined oral contraceptive pill, adherence, Cambodia, side effects, rural health, contraception utilization, patient acceptance of health care.