Role of community champions in promoting inclusion of adolescents and young persons in family planning services: a quasi-experimental endline evaluation

Background: Adolescents and young people (AYPs) face disproportionate barriers to family planning (FP), especially in conservative and underserved contexts. This study assessed the role of community champions in improving FP knowledge, attitudes and utilization among AYPs aged 15–24 in Garissa and Tana River Counties, Kenya, under the DEESIP project. Methods: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods design evaluated 673 AYPs, using surveys, interviews and focus groups. Results: Overall, 74% reported FP awareness, higher in Tana River (61%) than Garissa (39%) (p<0.001). Attitudes toward FP were generally positive with youth in intervention areas reporting higher attitudes than controls. Utilization was greater in Tana River (76%) than Garissa (24%) (p<0.001). Exposure to champions significantly increased uptake (OR≈35, p<0.001), particularly with religious leader engagement. Conclusions: Champions reduced stigma and provider bias but faced sustainability challenges. Strengthening peer-led and faith-informed strategies is vital for equitable FP access among AYPs in marginalized settings.