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Physicians' Experience with Norplant^® Implantable Contraceptives in Finland

Eeva Ollila, Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Finland, Correspondence and requests for re-prints: Eeva Ollila Department of Public Health University of Helsinki P.O. Box 52 00014 Helsinki Finland

Elina Hemminki

Elina Hemminki, Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Finland, National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, Health Services Research Unit, Helsinki, Finland

Kristiina Kajesalo

Kristiina Kajesalo, Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Finland

Norplant^® contraceptives are manufactured in Finland, but the majority of Norplant^® users live in the Third World. The objective of this study was to study Finnish family planning physicians' experience with and attitudes towards Norplant^® contraceptives. Three data sources were used: (1) review of articles published in non-commercial Finnish medical journals between 1980 and 1990, (2) a sample of eleven physicians known to have experience with Norplant^® and chosen by a snow-ball method, and (3) a random sample of 22 physicians in charge of public family planning services stratified by municipality and degree of urbanization.

The articles reflected a positive attitude towards Norplant^®, but the authors did not believe that Norplant^® should replace any previous method of contraception. In the random sample the amount of experience with Norplant^® was low. In both groups the general attitude towards Norplant^® was reserved. It was not used as a method of first choice, but was considered a good method for carefully selected women. Norplant^® was considered troublesome for the physician, requiring surgical procedures, producing side-effects and demanding time for counselling. Adequate use of Norplant^® calls for a good health care infrastructure, hygienic facilities and trained personnel. These are often lacking in Third World settings.

Key Words: contraception • implantable contraceptives • Norplant® • physician • experience • attitude • Finland

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 23, No. 1, 47-52 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/140349489502300109


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