Mixed-Methods, Descriptive and Observational Cohort Study Examining Feeding and Growth Patterns among Low Birthweight Infants in India, Malawi and Tanzania: The LIFE Study Protocol

Citation

Vesel, Linda; Spigel, Lauren; Behera, Jnanindra Nath; Bellad, Roopa M.; Das, Leena; Dhaded, Sangappa; Goudar, Shivaprasad S.; Guruprasad, Gowdar; Misra, Sujata; & Panda, Sanghamitra, et al. (2021). Mixed-Methods, Descriptive and Observational Cohort Study Examining Feeding and Growth Patterns among Low Birthweight Infants in India, Malawi and Tanzania: The LIFE Study Protocol. BMJ Open, 11(12), e048216. PMCID: PMC8640640

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 will not be possible without evidence-based strategies addressing the health and care of low birthweight (LBW, <2.5 kg) infants. The majority of LBW infants are born in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and account for more than 60%-80% of newborn deaths. Feeding promotion tailored to meet the nutritional needs of LBW infants in LMICs may serve a crucial role in curbing newborn mortality rates and promoting growth. The Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) study aims to establish foundational knowledge regarding optimal feeding options for LBW infants in low-resource settings throughout infancy.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: LIFE is a formative, multisite, observational cohort study involving 12 study facilities in India, Malawi and Tanzania, and using a convergent parallel, mixed-methods design. We assess feeding patterns, growth indicators, morbidity, mortality, child development and health system inputs that facilitate or hinder care and survival of LBW infants.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by 11 ethics committees in India, Malawi, Tanzania and the USA. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations targeting the global and local research, clinical, programme implementation and policy communities.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048216

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2021

Journal Title

BMJ Open

Author(s)

Vesel, Linda
Spigel, Lauren
Behera, Jnanindra Nath
Bellad, Roopa M.
Das, Leena
Dhaded, Sangappa
Goudar, Shivaprasad S.
Guruprasad, Gowdar
Misra, Sujata
Panda, Sanghamitra
Shamanur, Latha G.
Vernekar, Sunil S.
Hoffman, Irving F.
Mvalo, Tisungane
Phiri, Melda
Saidi, Friday
Kisenge, Rodrick
Manji, Karim
Salim, Nahya
Somji, Sarah
Sudfeld, Christopher R.
Adair, Linda S.
Caruso, Bethany A.
Duggan, Christopher P.
Israel-Ballard, Kiersten
Lee, Anne
Martin, Stephanie L.
Mansen, Kimberly L.
North, Krysten
Young, Melissa
Benotti, Emily
Marx Delaney, Megan
Fishman, Eliza
Fleming, Katelyn
Henrich, Natalie
Miller, Kate
Subramanian, Laura
Tuller, Danielle E.
Semrau, Katherine

Article Type

Regular

PMCID

PMC8640640

Data Set/Study

Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) Study

Continent/Country

LMICs
India
Malawi
Tanzania

ORCiD

Martin, S. - 0000-0002-0378-802X
Adair - 0000-0002-3670-8073