Long-term outcomes of children born with neural-tube defects in Botswana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Major congenital abnormalities (CAs) disproportionately impact low and middle-income countries. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common major CAs in Botswana, but there has been no research to date on long-term outcomes of children with NTDs in Botswana.

Methods

The Tsepamo study conducted prospective systematic birth outcomes surveillance at 8-18 hospitals in Botswana from August 2014-May 2023, capturing data on ~ 70% of births in the country. Trained midwives performed surface examinations on all infants (liveborn and stillborn) and identified major CAs, including NTDs. After obtaining parental consent, research assistants photographed CAs. Through medical record review and semi-structured interviews, we followed-up major health outcomes among child

SUBMITTER: Isaacson A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751222 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature