Incidence and determinants of discontinuation of Implanon among users: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study in three Health Zones of Kinshasa

Pierre Akilimali, Université de Kinshasa
Philip A. Anglewicz, Johns Hopkins University
Julie Hernandez, Tulane University
Anastasia J. Gage, Tulane University
Patrick Kayembe, Université de Kinshasa
Jane Bertrand, Tulane University

Background: This study aimed to identify the characteristics associated with Implanon continuation use at 24 months. Methodology: We followed a cohort of 531 acceptors who opted Implanon from November 2016 to January 2019. The Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to measure predictors of discontinuation. Results: An overall incidence rate of 9.06 (95%CI: 9.04-9.08) removals per 1000 p-m zas recorded. Women living military barrack (adjusted HR 2.28 (1.36 – 3.81)), women who have less than 3 children (adjusted HR 3.64 (2.19 – 6.08)), women who never used injectable or implant in the past (adjusted HR 4.49 (1.09 - 18.55)), women who had experienced heavy/prolonged bleeding (adjusted HR 1.96 (1.26 – 3.04)), women with MII score less than 3 (adjusted HR 2.08 (1.32 - 3.28)) had a higher hazard of early Implanon discontinuation. Conclusion: This study reports a strong effect of low-quality family planning counseling on discontinuation rate over 24 months.