Background: The prevalence of teenage pregnancies in Malawi is 29% and about 25% of married and 30% of unmarried adolescents (15-19 years old) use contraceptives. Data on contraceptive use has focused on older adolescents (15-19 years old) leaving out the young adolescents (10-14 years old). This study assessed factors that influence contraceptive decision-making and use among young adolescents aged 10-14 years.Methods: This was a qualitative study which used Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)

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... l to understand the processes that influence contraceptive decision making among young adolescents (10-14 years old) in urban Lilongwe. The study was conducted in 6 youth health friendly service centers and in 12 youth clubs. Two focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews were conducted among sexually-active in and out of school young adolescents and key informants. The results are organized into themes identified during analysis.Results: Results showed that contraceptive decision making is influenced by social factors (individual, interpersonal, society) and adolescents' perceptions regarding hormonal contraceptives. There is also disconnect between Education and adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health policies.Conclusion: The findings suggest that interventions to scale up contraceptive use need male and female involvement in decision making. Addressing myths around contraceptives, and harmonization of Education and Sexual and Reproductive Health policies in the country would motivate adolescents to use contraceptives.