Small at birth: associations with health and development in late adolescence in rural Malawi, version 1.0
Date
2022-07-26
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of research study: A prospective observational birth cohort study, built on a randomised
controlled trial of maternal antibiotic and antimalarial treatment during pregnancy.
Problem: There is scarce literature on child and adolescent outcomes of individuals born preterm or
small for gestational age. We intend to provide information on their growth and development
trajectories till late adolescence, body composition, cardiovascular and mental health in a
population cohort of children followed up from pregnancy and now in late adolescence. We will
also be able to evaluate whether gains in and related traits caused by maternal antibiotic and
antimalarial treatment are sustained at this age. All these analyses may eventually guide the design
and targeting of public health interventions aimed at supporting healthy growth and development.
Objectives and primary outcomes: Overall objective of the study is to examine whether there is an
effect of being born preterm or small for gestational age (SGA) or of the antibiotic and antimalarial
intervention which their mothers received during pregnancy child and adolescent growth and
development outcomes. The specific objectives are:
1. To describe and analyse the key interrelated outcomes related to adolescents’ health,
functional reserve and ability to thrive in rural Mangochi;
2. To assess how preterm birth and being born small for gestational age predict these
outcomes;
3. To assess the effects of maternal antibiotic/antimalarial intervention during pregnancy on
these outcomes.
Methodology: This will be a study of adolescents from the Lungwena area, rural Mangochi District
in Malawi. The subjects have participated in a longitudinal cohort study since their fetal period. In
the proposed study, we will invite the participants for a visit to study clinic and conduct
anthropometric measurements, measure their body composition and blood pressure, physical
activity, fitness and cognitive and motor abilities and administer standardised tests and
questionnaires in the form of interviews. We expect to reach approximately 800 participants.
Expected findings and their dissemination: We expect to produce information on growth and
development trajectories till late adolescence, body composition and cardiovascular and mental
health. Results from the study will be disseminated locally (at Mangochi District Hospital),
nationally (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Kamuzu University of
Health Sciences Research and Ethics Committee) and in international meetings and journals.
Description
Keywords
Associations with health and development in late adolesence