Improving the quality of the use of contraceptives is one of the main objectives of family planning programs and the discontinuation/continuation rates of their use is one of the most important indicators of their quality. The present study aimed at analyzing the continuation rates of Intrauterine Device (IUD) and three-month injectable Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA)uses and reasons for their discontinuation in women referred to health centers. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 260 married women in the age range of 15-49 years referred to health centers to discontinue their use of IUD or DMPA. The data were collected through interviews and using their medical records. Using the SPSS-18 software, the collected data were analyzed through ANOVA, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed that the mean continuation rates for IUD and DMPA use were 23.8±22.69 and 10.36±8.99 months respectively. The continuation rate of IUD use at the end of the 6 months was %83.84; at the end of the first year was %76.15; and at the end of the fifth year was %7.69. The continuation rate of DMPA use at the end of the six months was %73.07; at the end of the first year was %54.61; and at the end of the second year was %12.3. It was also indicated that the most common reason behind IUD (%51.7) or DMPA (%48.6) discontinuation was side effects. The results indicated a high rate of early IUD and DMPA use discontinuation; accordingly, in addition to providing integrated educational programs,holdingmotivational counseling sessions with couples’ participation, especially when IUD/DMPA are being used, is recommendedto increase the use of these contraceptive methods.
