A Protocol to Investigate the Uptake and Continuation of the Subdermal Contraceptive Implant Among Adolescent Girls in Urban Ouagadougou, 2012

Adolescent pregnancy is a significant public health challenge in Burkina Faso. The subdermal contraceptive implant is a highly effective long-acting reversible method, but its uptake and sustained use among adolescent girls in urban West African settings are inadequately documented. This protocol describes a study to investigate these outcomes in Ouagadougou. The primary purpose is to assess the uptake and 12-month continuation rates of the subdermal implant among adolescent girls aged 15-19 in urban Ouagadougou. Secondary objectives are to identify factors influencing the decision to initiate the method and the reasons for its continuation or early discontinuation. This will be a prospective cohort study. A minimum of 300 adolescent girls accepting the implant at participating urban health clinics will be enrolled. Data will be collected via structured questionnaires at baseline (insertion), followed by interviews at 3, 6, and 12 months post-insertion. Quantitative data on continuation rates and socio-demographic factors will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data on reasons for discontinuation will be analysed thematically. As this is a study protocol, no empirical findings are presented. The analysis will yield rates of implant continuation and identify associated influencing factors. The study will generate evidence on the real-world use of a key contraceptive method among a vulnerable population. It will summarise the determined continuation rates and principal factors affecting implant use in this context. Findings will inform targeted recommendations for adolescent-friendly counselling protocols and service delivery improvements in urban Burkina Faso, with potential relevance to similar settings. Adolescent health, contraceptive implants, long-acting reversible contraception, family planning, Burkina Faso, sub-Saharan Africa. This protocol outlines a study designed to address a critical evidence gap on contraceptive implant dynamics among adolescents in an urban West African setting, with findings intended to guide public health programming.