Changes in the Hematological Parameters among Women Using Oral Contraceptives in Dhamar City, Yemen
Background: Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used, yet their hematological effects in resource-limited settings like Yemen, where anemia is highly prevalent, are poorly characterized. This study investigated the impact of OCs on hematological and coagulation parameters in women from Dhamar City, Yemen.
Methods:A comparative cross-sectional study included 76 women (42 OC users, 34 non-users) recruited from healthcare facilities and community settings. Complete blood count parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell indices, white cell differential) and coagulation markers (platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], international normalized ratio) were measured. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:OC users showed significantly higher platelet counts than non-users (309.76 vs. 271.56 ×103/μL, p=0.024) and prolonged APTT (26.52 vs. 23.06 seconds, p=0.005), though all values remained within normal ranges. APTT correlated negatively with OC duration (rs=-0.452, p=0.004), decreasing from 28.9 seconds (1–2 years) to 25.3 seconds (>4 years). Microcytosis (MCV<80 fL) was more prevalent among OC users (42.9% vs. 20.6%, p=0.041, OR=2.89), despite similar hemoglobin levels. Younger users (<30 years) had higher platelet counts than older users (342.8 vs. 284.2 ×103/μL, p=0.004). Multivariate regression confirmed APTT (OR=1.202) and platelet count (OR=1.009) as independent correlates of OC use.
Conclusion:OC use in Yemeni women is associated with elevated platelets, duration-dependent APTT changes, and increased microcytosis. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive hematological monitoring particularly platelet and coagulation profiles for OC users in anemia-endemic, resource-limited settings.
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