Epidemiol Health.  2022;44(1):e2022037. 10.4178/epih.e2022037.

The Asenze Cohort Study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: protocol and cohort profile

• Desmond C
• Norwitz GA
• Kvalsvig JD
• Gruver RS
• Kauchali S
• Watt KG
• Myeza NP
• Munsami A
• Davidson LL

• KMID: 2536692
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2022037

Abstract

The Asenze cohort is set in South Africa, a middle-income country impacted by one of the highest global rates of people living with HIV/AIDS and high levels of socioeconomic inequality. This longitudinal population-based cohort of children and their primary caregivers assesses household and caregiver functioning, child health, social well-being, and neuro-development from childhood through adolescence. Almost 1,600 children born at the peak of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic (2003-2005) were followed (with their primary caregivers) in 3 waves, between 2008 and 2021, at average ages of 5, 7, and 16. Wave 3 is currently underway, having assessed over 1,100 of the original wave 1 children. Wave 4 begins in 2022. The study, with a dyadic structure, uses a broad range of measures, validated in South Africa or recommended for global use, that address physical, social and neuro-development in childhood and adolescence, and the social, health, and psychological status of children’s primary caregivers. The Asenze study deepens our understanding of childhood physical, cognitive, and social abilities and/or disabilities, including risk-taking behaviors, and biological, environmental, and social determinants of health. We anticipate the findings will contribute to the development of community-informed interventions to promote well-being in this South African population and elsewhere.

Keyword

Population-based cohort; Low-and-middle income country; South Africa; HIV/AIDS; Child and adolescent health; Child and adolescent development