D.T.  Goon, K.P.  Mrwebi, E.O.  Owolabi, O.V.  Adeniyi, A.I.  Ajayi, 
    Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Use: Knowledge and Attitude of
Reproductive Age Women in Buffalo Metropolitan Municipality,
East London, South Africa,
    Research Journal of Medical Sciences,
    Volume 11,Issue 4,
    2017,
    Pages 160-165,
    ISSN 1815-9346,
    rjmsci.2017.160.165,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=rjmsci.2017.160.165)
    Abstract: There documented low-utilization and early discontinuation long-acting reversible contraceptive
(implanon) among its users. This study sought to assess the knowledge and attitude toward implanon use
among women of reproductive age in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), East London, South
Africa. This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 189 consecutively selected participants in two largest
family planning clinics in Buffalo Metropolitan Municipality. Information on the demographic characteristics,
knowledge and attitude towards implanon were obtained by self-reporting. The average age of participants was
26.55±6.4 years. Only 22% of the respondents had prior history of abortion. Most of the participants (66.9%)
had poor knowledge of implanon. Age was the only factor statistically associated with knowledge of implanon
(p = 0.03). A poor knowledge of implanon was observed among the younger and the older participants.
Generally, the attitude of the participants towards implanon was positive. The majority (77.8%) of participants
had poor knowledge about implanon and stressed the need for the provision of adequate knowledge on
implanon and its side effects during pre-insertion counselling. There was a poor knowledge of implanon among
its users in this setting, however, demonstrated a positive attitude towards its use. Pre-insertion counselling
will go a long way in promoting the utilization of implanon and its continuation.
    Keywords: Contraceptive methods;discontinuation;long-acting reversible contraception;reproductive;knowledge and attitude;South Africa