Comunicação participativa como estratégia de prevenção das uniões prematuras na localidade de Nacuca, Distrito de Rapale – 2024 a 2025

With the aim of analyzing the role of participatory communication as a strategy for preventing early unions in Nacuca locality, Rapale District, Nampula Province. The research adopted a qualitative, exploratory and interpretative approach, using a case study as the technical procedure. A total of 20 participants took part in the study, namely 2 local authorities, 3 health professionals, 5 teachers, 2 representatives of organizations/NGOs, 5 adolescents and young people, and 3 parents or guardians. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observation. The data were organized into thematic categories and analyzed through interpretation of participants' accounts and triangulation of information from different sources. The results showed that the main forms of communication used to prevent early unions are community meetings, lectures, educational discussions, family dialogues, school activities, campaigns and interpersonal communication. It was found that these practices contribute to increased knowledge about the risks associated with early unions, awareness-raising, community mobilization, strengthening of family dialogue, promotion of school retention and identification of situations of risk. However, adolescents' participation was found to be predominantly receptive, with changes in knowledge being more evident than changes in attitudes and behaviors. It is concluded that participatory communication constitutes a relevant strategy for preventing early unions in Nacuca, and that it is necessary to strengthen adolescents' active participation and coordination among families, schools, communities, health services, authorities and organizations.