Effect of Mass Azithromycin Distributions on Childhood Growth in Niger: A Cluster-Randomized Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Mass azithromycin distributions may decrease childhood mortality, although the causal pathway is unclear. The potential for antibiotics to function as growth promoters may explain some of the mortality benefit.

Objective

To investigate whether biannual mass azithromycin distributions are associated with increased childhood growth.

Design, setting, and participants

This cluster-randomized trial was performed from December 2014 until March 2020 among 30 rural communities in Boboye and Loga departments in Niger, Africa, with populations from 200 to 2000 individuals. Communities were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to biannual mass distributions of azithromycin or placebo for children ages 1 to 59 months. Participants, field-workers, and study personnel were masked t

SUBMITTER: Arzika AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8719241 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature