A cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of mass azithromycin treatment on growth and nutrition in Niger.

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobials are used primarily to treat infectious disease, but they have other effects. Here, we assess anthropometry measurements in children 6-60 months in 24 communities randomized to one or two mass azithromycin distributions over a 1-year period in Niger. We compared the prevalence of wasting, low mid-upper arm circumference, stunting, and underweight in communities in the two treatment arms. We were unable to prove that there was a difference in the prevalence of wasting in the 12 communities that received one mass azithromycin distribution versus the 12 communities that received two mass azithromycin distributions (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.46-1.23). Likewise, we were unable to detect a difference in the two treatment arms for low mid-upper arm circumference

SUBMITTER: Amza A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3541724 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature