Hormonal Contraceptives Use and Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Level among Women Accessing Family Planning Clinics in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Nigeria

Hormonal contraceptives are widely used, but their effects on liver health and cardiovascular risk factors are not fully understood. This study examined hormonal contraceptive (HC) effects on liver health (serum alpha-fetoprotein, AFP), anthropometrics, and blood pressure in 72 women (40 HC users, 32 non-users). A descriptive cross–sectional study design was conducted over seven months on 72 women attending family planning clinics in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional analysis revealed no significant difference in AFP levels between HC users (2.73 ng/ml) and non-users (3.51 ng/ml) (p>0.05). However, significant increases in body weight and BMI were observed in HC users (p<0.05). Blood pressure showed no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). The majority of HC users relied on progestin-only injectable, with 37.5% using them for 12-24 months. Average ages were 28.88±1.02 for HC users and 27.31±1.13 for non-users. In conclusion, parenteral HCs do not significantly alter AFP levels, but may contribute to weight gain and associated health risks in reproductive-age women.