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Contraception 2014; Feb 7. pii: S0010-7824(14)00036-5. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2014.01.026.

Randomized clinical trial of self versus clinical administration of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate

Beasley A, White KO, Cremers S and Westhoff C

Abstract

Objectives:To evaluate feasibility, acceptability, continuation, and trough serum levels following self-administration of subcutaneous (sc) depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

Study design: Women presenting to a family planning clinic to initiate, restart or continue DMPA were offered study entry. Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to self- or clinician administered sc DMPA 104 mg. Those randomized to self-administration were taught to self-inject and were supervised in performing the initial injection; they received printed instructions and a supply of contraceptive injections for home use. Participants randomized to clinician administration received usual care. Continued DMPA use was assessed by self-report and trough medroxyprogesterone acetate levels at 6 and 12 months.

Results: Two hundred fifty women were invited to participate, and 137 (55%) enrolled. Of these, 91 were allocated to self-administration, and 90/91 were able to correctly self-administer sc DMPA. Eighty-seven per cent completed follow-up. DMPA use at 1 year was 71% for the self-administration group and 63% for the clinic group (p = 0.47). Uninterrupted DMPA use was 47% and 48% for the self and clinic administration groups at 1 year (p = 0.70), respectively. Serum analyses confirmed similar mean DMPA levels in both groups and therapeutic trough levels in all participants.

Conclusions: Sixty-three per cent of women approached were interested in trying self-administration of DMPA, even in the context of a randomized trial, and nearly all eligible for enrollment were successful at doing so. Self-administration and clinic administration resulted in similar continuation rates and similar DMPA serum levels. Self-administration of sc DMPA is feasible and may be an attractive alternative for many women.

Implications: Self-administration of sc DMPA is a feasible and attractive option for many women. Benefits include increased control over contraceptive measures and less time spent on contracepting behaviors. Globally, self-administration has the potential to revolutionize contraceptive uptake by increasing the number of women with access to DMPA.

Comment: Although the package insert of DMPA mentions the administration by a health care professional, this study shows that women can easily inject themselves successfully, with all the benefits. (HMV)