Background: Contraceptive use prevalence in Kenya is at 58% according to the 2014 Kenya Demographic Health
Survey. Several factors lead to discontinuation and switch of contraceptives. Discontinuation rate as per the
2008/2009 KDHS for one year was 35.8%.
Objectives: To find out the determinants of discontinuation and switching of hormonal and IUD contraceptive
methods.
Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional hospital based one, where data was collected by use of an interviewer
administered questionnaire at Kenyatta National Hospital, where 400 women were interviewed. The data was then
analyzed by use of the statistical software, SPSS Version 20.
Results: The study population mainly comprised married women with a mean age of 31.45±6.40 years. Most women
chose a contraceptive method which they perceived had the least adverse effects. Discontinuation rate by the time of
study in the study population was 60.8%, with adverse effects as the most cited reason for discontinuation. The
method of contraception and presence of co-morbidity were the factors associated with discontinuation of a
contraceptive. Survival analysis showed that depot injection and Jadelle® (Levonorgestrel releasing implant 75mg)
had the highest median months of use and Impanon® (Etonogestrel implant 68mg) the least.
Conclusion: The reasons for discontinuation of contraceptive use include primarily concerns for adverse effects, use
inconvenience, desire for pregnancy, contraceptive failure, and doctor’s advice.