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Kids with Kids

Study title: Kids with kids


Lead Researcher(s)

Kevin Martin, Rashida Ferrand, Sarah Bernays, Katharina Kranzer, Nonhlanhla Ndondo

Funder(s)

The March Group, Wellcome Trust

Partner(s)

Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Public Services Labour and Social Welfare, RHONAFLO Foundation


Background

During implementation of the IPSAZ study, anecdotal evidence from clinic staff and non- governmental organisations (NGOs) suggested that pregnancy in children was a significant issue. However, the proportion of pregnant children enrolled into the IPSAZ study was limited and hence no conclusions could be drawn regarding minors. A sub-study embedded within IPSAZ (Kids with kids) was developed to close that gap. Children who have become pregnant are particularly vulnerable, being at high risk of late booking, HIV, STIs and common mental disorders. Pregnant children are also more likely to be involved in transactional and exploitative relationships, or to have been shunned by family. As a result, poverty, with associated malnutrition and anaemia, also make these pregnancies particularly high risk for both mother and child.


Study aim(s)

To investigate the prevalence of STIs, maternal mental health, and other markers of physical health and vulnerability that affect pregnancy outcomes, in pregnant children in community settings, and to investigate the birth and post-pregnancy outcomes for these individuals.


Study design

Prospective, interventional, mixed methods. Participants are pregnant children referred from collaborators in the community, who have not been linked up to routine antenatal care services and who are particularly vulnerable. As with the main IPSAZ study, participants are offered testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV. Treatment, partner notification, onward referral, and birth dose vaccination for hepatitis B is provided, as required. In addition to this, as the participants aren’t yet linked to antenatal care, a more holistic clinical assessment is performed, including mental health assessment and counselling, assessment of haemoglobin level, blood pressure check, blood sugar check, and nutritional assessment. All participants are referred to antenatal care services and for a dating scan, provided with a food hamper and birth pack, and referred to social services.


Study dates

September 2023 - September 2025

THRU ZIM

8 Ross Avenue, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe

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