AUTHOR=Maruwo George Baxton , Ng'ambi Wingston Felix , Muula Adamson Sinjani , Zonda Khumbo , Kachale Fannie 

TITLE=Factors associated with long-acting and short-acting reversible contraceptives use among 10–24-years-old youths in Lilongwe, Malawi

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Reproductive Health

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/reproductive-health/articles/10.3389/frph.2022.949458

DOI=10.3389/frph.2022.949458

ISSN=2673-3153

ABSTRACT=Background: Evidence suggests that, Malawi continues to register substantial progress on key Family Planning (FP) indicators. However, FP adoption is still low among married youth (15–24-year-olds), only 38% of married girls use modern contraceptive methods coupled with high-unmet need (22%) in the same age group. 
Objective:  Identifying factors associated with Long Acting (LARC) and Short Acting (SARC) reversible contraceptives use among 10-24year old youth in Lilongwe in Malawi.  
Methodology: A retrospective study using secondary data from 64 youth outreach clinics sites in Lilongwe district. A quantitative approach using secondary data that was analyzed in STATA version 14 was used. A sample of 14,954 youth who accessed FP and Reproductive Health (RH) services during youth outreach clinics were included in the study.
Results: SARC uptake was higher than LARC (p<0.01). Of the youths who accessed FP methods, LARC uptake was at 25% (n=3,735). Variations were noted in uptake of LARC especially on age, education level, client status occupation and marital status. Factors associated with LARC uptake varied; new clients were almost twice likely to use LARC (AOR= 1.87, CI: 1.59-2.19, P <0.01) while youth aged 20-24, the single and student youth were less likely to use LARC. Compared to young women with formal occupation, students were less likely to use LARC (AOR= 0.30, CI: 0.158-0.58, P <0.01). Related to number of living children, youths with a living child were likely to use LARC (AOR=6.40, CI: 3.91-10.48, P<0.01). 
Conclusion:  The study showed that, LARC uptake in youth outreach clinics in Lilongwe is low, though increasing overtime. In addition to this, the study shows that SARC uptake is high among youth compared to LARC. Furthermore, LARC uptake varied by age education, client status (new, existing and unknown client), occupation, number of living children and marital status, and there were variations in LARC uptake by clinic. Current outreach services reach youth with LARC services, but gaps exist for the underserved youths.