Perspectives on the Side Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives Among Women of Reproductive Age in Kitwe District of Zambia: A Qualitative Explorative Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Globally, hormonal contraceptives have proved to be effective in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. However, despite evidence suggesting the many benefits associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives, concerns related to their safety and side effects have been reported. We conducted a study to explore the perspectives on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives among women of reproductive age in the Kitwe district of Zambia. Methods An explorative qualitative study was done among 32 women of reproductive age (18-45years) in the Kitwe district of Zambia. Participants were selected conveniently as they accessed family planning services at a designated reproductive, maternal, and child health facility in Kitwe. Data collection was done through In-depth interviews. Recruitment of participants and data collection continued until saturation point. In-depth interviews were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Data were imported into NVivo.x64 for coding and node generation after which categories and themes were developed manually. Results Overall, participants demonstrated a considerable amount of family planning knowledge, recounting the economic and health benefits as well as demerits of family planning use. The main reasons for discontinuation and switching of hormonal contraceptive methods were the desire to get pregnant and the fear of unpleasant side effects which included excessive bleeding or prolonged menstruation, headache, dizziness, lower abdominal/back pain, and weight gain. Most importantly, participants cited concerns about the delay in the resumption of fertility after the termination of contraception and how the side effects disrupted their daily activities at home. Conclusion There is a need for family planning providers to offer family planning services that address the side effects of hormonal contraceptives during counseling and how women can manage them. Family planning services should adopt a patient-centered approach that takes into consideration the concerns regarding side effects and how this affects the quality of life among women. There is a need to extend family planning services to scheduled follow-up, and clinical management of contraceptive side effects among women.