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. 2021 Sep 28;11(9):e049692.
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049692.

Birhan maternal and child health cohort: a study protocol

Grace J Chan  1   2   3 , Bezawit Mesfin Hunegnaw  2 , Kimiko Van Wickle  3 , Yahya Mohammed  4 , Mesfin Hunegnaw  4 , Chalachew Bekele  4 , Frederick G B Goddard  3 , Fisseha Tadesse  5 , Delayehu Bekele  3   6
Affiliations

Birhan maternal and child health cohort: a study protocol

Grace J Chan et al. BMJ Open. .

Abstract

Introduction: Reliable estimates on maternal and child morbidity and mortality are essential for health programmes and policies. Data are needed in populations, which have the highest burden of disease but also have the least evidence and research, to design and evaluate health interventions to prevent illnesses and deaths that occur worldwide each year.

Methods and analysis: The Birhan Maternal and Child Health cohort is an open prospective pregnancy and birth cohort nested within the Birhan Health and Demographic Surveillance System. An estimated 2500 pregnant women are enrolled each year and followed through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Newborns are followed through 2 years of life to assess growth and development. Baseline medical data, signs and symptoms, laboratory test results, anthropometrics and pregnancy and birth outcomes (stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight) are collected from both home and health facility visits. We will calculate the period prevalence and incidence of primary morbidity and mortality outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination: The cohort has received ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated at scientific conferences, peer-reviewed journals and to relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Health.

Keywords: community child health; epidemiology; maternal medicine; neonatology; perinatology; public health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schedule of study enrolment and follow-up visitsformula image Antenatal care visit. formula image Postpartum care visit. formula image Neonatal /child visit. formula image Time window for scheduled visits. formula imageTime window for unscheduled visits. OPD; Outpatient Department.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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