Dyslipidaemias in women using hormonal contraceptives: a cross sectional study in Mulago Hospital Family Planning Clinic, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidaemias in women using hormonal contraceptives.

Design: Cross-sectional study SETTING: Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred and eighty-four consenting women, aged 18-49 years, who had used hormonal contraceptives for at least 3 months prior to the study.

Study outcome: Dyslipidaemias (defined as derangements in lipid profile levels which included total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL, triglyceride >150 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein ≥160 mg/dL) for which the prevalence and associated factors were obtained.

Results: The prevalence of dyslipidaemias was 63.3% (95% CI: 58.4 to 68.1). Body mass index (BMI) (PR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.54, p<0.001) and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (PR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.42, p=0.020) were the factors significantly associated with dyslipidaemias.

Conclusion: Dyslipidaemias were present in more than half the participants, and this puts them at risk for cardiovascular diseases. The high-risk groups were women with a BMI greater than 25 Kg/m² and those who were on ART. Therefore, lipid profiles should be assessed in women using hormonal contraceptives in order to manage them better.

Keywords: contraception; dyslipidemias; hormonal contraceptives; lipid profile.