Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Hormonal contraceptives are artificial preparations utilized by women of
reproductive age to prevent pregnancy; and they act on the endocrine system to prevent
ovulation. Roughly about a billion women in the world use some form of contraceptive
worldwide. Despite the utility of these preparations, they are linked with several adverse
effects; including disturbance of liver functions and lipid metabolism. However, previous
studies conducted on this theme reported conflicting results in the link between contraceptive
versus liver function and lipid profile.
Objectives: This study was aims to assess liver function and lipid profile of women taking
hormonal contraceptive, to identify factors associated with liver function abnormalities and
dyslipidemia at university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital and Gondar family
planning and guidance center in 2022.
Methods and Materials: An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was
conducted among women who use hormonal contraceptives versus non users at University of
Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital and Gondar family planning and guidance center,
from march 2 to May 27, 2022. Eligible women who attend the two institutes from March 2 to
May 27, 2022. In the study systematic random sampling method was used to enrolls a total of
264 participants into two groups. One group of hormonal contraceptive users and another agematched non-user controls in the ratio of 1:1. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect
socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data. From each study participant 5 ml Blood
sample collected for liver function tests and lipid profile analysis on Beckman Coulter
chemistry analyzer. Independent t-test, ANOVA was used to compare mean values of
parameters among to two groups; and logistic regression models was used to identify factors
associated.
Results: Hormonal contraceptive users were observed to had a statistically significant (p<0.05)
higher mean value of liver enzymes, as well as total and direct bilirubin. Conversely, the mean
value of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was higher
among hormonal contraceptive users than their control counterparts.
Conclusion and Recommendation: hormonal contraceptive use observed to have higher liver
function tests and lipid profile parameters; thus, special attention should be given to women on
hormonal contraceptives, and routine laboratory monitoring should be done.
Key words: Hormonal contraceptives, liver function tests, lipid profile, Ethiopia
