A comparative study of Neo Sampoon, Ortho Vaginal Tablets and Emko Vaginal Tablets in Accra, Ghana
Lamptey, P.; Klufio, C.; Smith, S.C.; Feldblum, P.J.
Contraception 32(5): 445-454
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 3002720 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(85)90015-0Document Number: 417376
The effectiveness and acceptability of 3 vaginal tablets (VTs)--Neo Sampoon, Ortho (OVT) and Emko (EVT)--were compared in a clinical trial conducted at the family planning clinics of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Kotobaabi Polyclinic in Accra, Ghana. Subjects included 300 sexually active women ages 18-40 years who were randomly allocated to 1 of the 3 contraceptive methods. The results suggest that, although the effectiveness of the 3 tablets is comparable, Neo Sampoon and OVT are more acceptable than EVT. EVT acceptors reported poorer product compliance, more method-related complaints, and a higher rate of discontinuation. The proportion of women reporting 1 or more method-related complaints (e.g., burning or stinging) during the 1-year study period was 8.9% among Neo Sampoon acceptors, 11.5% among women in the OVT group, and 32.6% among subjects in the EVT group. However, the prevalence of these complaints, and that of increased vaginal discharge, diminished with time in all 3 study groups. Within 12 months, there had been 33 discontinuations in the Neo Sampoon group, 47 among OVT acceptors, and 57 in the EVT group. Over 40% of these discontinuations were a result of temporary absence of the sexual partner, and another 19% reflected non-method-related reasons such as desiring a pregnancy. On the other hand, discontinuation for discomfort or product-related reasons was significantly higher among EVT acceptors compared to Neo Sampoon and OVT acceptors. There were 7 unplanned pregnancies in the Neo Sampoon group (12 month cumulative pregnancy rate 9.6/100), 8 in OVT group (11.3/100), and 9 among EVT acceptors (12.5/100). 9 (38%) of the 24 pregnancies occurred in the 1st month of tablet use and only 1 pregnancy occurred 6 months or more after admission, suggesting that lack of familiarity contributed to method failure. 12-month continuation rates were significantly higher among Neo Sampoon acceptors (62.4/100) than among OVT (48.6/100) or EVT (38.5/100) acceptors.