Clinical and Lipid Profiles of Patients on Hormonal Contraceptives: Insights from a Family Planning Clinic in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of hormonal contraception is essential for promoting reproductive and family health. Understanding the effect of hormonal contraceptives on patients’ well-being and contraceptive preference is crucial in promoting acceptance and adherence to contraception. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 261 participants accessing reproductive healthcare services at the clinic. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, lipid profiles, clinical parameters, obstetric history, and contraceptive preferences were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentages and chi-square tests Results: Almost all of the study population were married (98.9%) and of Yoruba ethnicity (97.7%), the age category of 31-35 years constituted about one-third (29.9%) of the study population. A majority had secondary education (41.8%). About 37 (14%) of the women had a high-risk atherogenic index while the majority of the women were of low to intermediate-risk atherogenic index. The blood pressure was significantly higher among patients on implants and combined oral contraceptives. Depo-Provera (47.5%) was the predominant hormonal contraceptive among the participants. Conclusions: This study showed the variations in the atherogenic index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the study participants which are possible risk factors for cardiovascular events. Reproductive healthcare providers should monitor patients on hormonal contraceptives to prevent the occurrence of such cardiovascular events.