ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF DEPO-PROVERA AS A FAMILY PLANNING METHOD IN REDUCING EARLY PREGNANCY AMONG GIRLS IN AREA 25, MZONDO VILLAGE, LILONGWE.

Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable contraceptive, has been shown to be effective in preventing early pregnancy among girls in Malawi. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge, with pregnancy-related complications being a leading cause of death among adolescent girls globally. In Malawi, the use of modern contraception, including Depo-Provera, has increased over the years, with 58% of married women using modern methods.

Studies have found that Depo-Provera is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy with typical use, and its use is associated with reduced rates of early pregnancy among adolescents. The study will evaluate levels of awareness, accessibility, pattern of depo-provera use adhesive to injection schedule and perceived benefits or side effects among adolescent users. The problem addresses the limited understanding of how depo-provera one of the most commonly used injectable contraceptive is influencing early pregnancy rates among girls in this community.However, barriers such as provider bias, lack of privacy, myths about infertility, and partner disapproval hinder its uptake, particularly in rural areas. The WHO recommends that adolescents aged between menarche and 18 can generally use Depo-Provera. Evidence on it's effectiveness, uptake pattern, perceptions and reproductive healthy providers and policymakers to design targets interviews. ( wHO 2022)

The findings are expected to provide comprehensive evidence on the role of depo-provera in reducing early pregnancy within the community. Recommendations from the study will support improvement in adolescents-friendly reproductive health service. Guide policy decisions and enhance community based strategies aimed at teenage pregnancies in similar settings.