Parasitism and contraceptives: a preliminary survey of the effect on haemoglobin levels
Imohiosen, E.A.; Adadevoh, B.K.
Nigerian Medical Journal Journal of the Nigeria Medical Association 9(4): 487-491
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-1652 PMID: 539120 Document Number: 444618
The incidence of parasitic infection among 3 groups of women using different types of contraceptive devices in Ibadan has been compared with that among women who have never used any of these devices and a group of male subjects. The results are correlated with the mean hemoglobin (P.C.V.) levels for all groups. A low level was observed among the groups on IUDs and orals as well as the female control; while the group on injectables and the male control group showed normal P.C.V. levels. Although multiple infection predominated, this was generally of low intensity. Malaria was the only anemia-inducing infection which occurred with any significant variation between all the groups compared. Analysis of the incidence of infection against hemoglobin genotypes revealed no predisposition to any particular infection. The rse of infection was not deterred in the presence of contraceptives; rather, the resutls showed that it might be enhanced.