Lipid profile and cardiovascular risk indices of women on various types of contraceptives in the Ho Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) have been successfully used worldwide to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and implantation. These contraceptives have effects on lipid metabolism, body fat and blood pressure which are all risk factors for cardio vascular disease (CVD). Some studies have reported that prolonged use of these hormone-based contraceptives have negative effect on cardiovascular risk indices, however, few of such studies have been done in Ghana, hence this study sought to examine the effect of various forms of contraceptives on cardio vascular risk indices in the Volta Region of Ghana.Methods: Purposive random sampling was employed in selecting women on various forms of contraceptives and aged-matched controls into the study. Fasting blood sample was collected from each participant after overnight fast for 10-16 hours into plain tubes and the sera used to determine lipid profile. Socio-demographic and BMI variables were also analyzed in this case-control study.Results: Statistically significant differences were observed for Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) (p=0.0153), High Density Lipoprotein levels (HDL) (p=0.001), and the atherogenic index (p=0.0101) between the cases and the controls.Conclusions: The use of HC significantly affects the DBP, HDL and atherogenic index and these could pose substantial risk for the development of CVD.

Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and lipid profile status among women using progestin-only contraceptives: comparative cross-sectional study

“…The finding is consistent with that of a study by Bawah et al . [ 28 ], while it is not consistent with findings from a study in Ghana [ 21 ]. The studies found a significant difference in DBP and an insignificant difference in SBP among DMPA users and non-users.…”

“…[ 21 ] which revealed that DMPA users have a significantly higher BMI than non-users. An animal study by Bakery and Abdullah also revealed that DMPA-treated rats have significantly increased weight gain than those not treated [ 27 ], although this is not consistent with the finding by Bawah et al that showed statistically insignificant difference in body weight between DMPA users and non-users [ 28 ]. DMPA-associated weight gain may be due to its effects on the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure by reducing cerebrospinal fluid leptin levels or its glucocorticoid-like activity [ 37 ].…”

“…[ 10 ], and Bawah et al . [ 28 ], found nonsignificant changes in mean serum TC level in DMPA users compared to non-users. The difference may be explained by the age difference of the study participants.…”

“…Nevertheless, it is inconsistent with findings by Bawah et al . [ 28 ] and Fekadie et al [ 11 ] which showed that there was a statistically insignificant difference in TAG among DMPA compared to non-users. The discrepancy may be explained by the difference in the study protocol.…”

“…A study by Bawah et al . [ 28 ] found significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels and TC among implant users compared to non-users, and no significant difference in TAG and LDL between the two groups. However, this study found no significant difference in TAG and LDL between implant users and non-users.…”