Lippe's loop insertions by doctors and para-medical staff: a comparative study
Singh, R.P.; Talwar, P.P.
Popcen News Letter. Population Centre 5(3): 1-7
1979
PMID: 12157738 Document Number: 440528
A follow-up study of Lippe's loop acceptors from April 1977 to June 1978, in rural and urban Lucknow. Insertion of the loop was performed by medical doctors in urban areas, and by paramedics in public health centers in rural areas. Of 694 cases performed by doctors and 291 by paramedics, 119 and 93 cases respectively were contacted for interview. Among significant characteristics of the respondents, women who had received their IUDs from doctors were about 2 years younger (28.0 compared with 30.1) than the paramedics' clients, and were almost all literate while the rural women were 77% illiterate. About 10% of the doctors' clients had previous experience with the IUD compared to 3% of paramedics' clients. Doctors' clients also accepted the IUD earlier -- 22% within 6 weeks of delivery as opposed to 4.6% of paramedics' clients accepting within that period. Rating the information given them about the IUD and its side effects prior to insertion, fewer paramedics' clients said they had received no information, but more of them said they had received only brief education. The majority of both types of clients experienced no problems at the time of insertion and the distribution of those with problems was similar for both groups. Fewer problems after insertion were reported by paramedics' clients, although fewer of those with problems consulted anyone about them. Of those who sought help, most went to the source of the IUD. Follow-up services were given to 77% of the paramedics' clients -- over 1/2 having 2 or more visits, while over 95% of the doctors' clients had no follow-up. Probabilities of expulsion were similar for both groups, and retention rate is higher for paramedics' clients, increasing after 6 months and lessening after 9. 79% of paramedics' clients expressed satisfaction with the method, compared to only 39% of doctors' clients, and 88% said they would recommend the IUD.