Factors associated with early implant discontinuation among women receiving implant services from community healthcare providers (CPs/PPMVs) in Nigeria: an analysis of routine service delivery data.

Background: Contraceptive implants are highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), yet early discontinuation remains a major challenge globally and in Nigeria, undermining family planning (FP) goals. Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) have been trained through the IntegratE Project, to expand access to implant, but evidence on discontinuation patterns among their clients is limited. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed 874 routine service delivery records of women aged 15-49 years who sought implant removal services from trained CPs and Tier 2/3 PPMVs between July 2023 and June 2025 across four Nigerian states (Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, and Lagos). Early discontinuation was defined as removal within two years of insertion. Descriptive statistics summarized socio-demographic and service-related characteristics, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of early removal. Results: Overall, 28.4% ( Conclusion: Almost one-third of discontinuers served by CPs and PPMVs did so early that is at less than 24 months, primarily driven by side effects and partner opposition. Strengthening counselling, managing side-effects, and engaging male partners are critical to improving continuation and advancing Nigeria's FP goals.