The oral pill programme: a summary of the preliminary findings
Sadashivaiah, K.; Subbarao, M.S.; Simha, J.S.
Journal of the Christian Medical Association of India 46(4): 208-213
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-5443 PMID: 12305616 Document Number: 479657
A study was undertaken to assess the reasons for discontinuation of oral contraceptive pills by Indian women. Of 6485 women put on orals in various Indian states, 3094 discontinued for various reasons at different periods (e.g., unplanned and planned pregnancies, religious reasons, sterilization, and side effects) and 3391 cases were continuing at the end of June 1970. 67% of those who discontinued did so during the first quarter of medication. 60.3% of the discontinued group were lost to follow-up. 13.4% of the group discontinued because of side effects. The results indicate that a high degree of motivation is necessary during the first 3 months of medication. It is noted that emphasis should be given to the follow-up of the cases and not to mere numbers.