title: Development of the Dzimauli community in Vhembe District, Limpopo province of South Africa, for the MAL-ED cohort study.
abstract: The Dzimauli community is located in the Vhembe district in the northern part of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The district is bordered by Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north and Mozambique to the East. The study site population is entirely blacks and 53% female, with a mean household size of 6 persons. Through a consultative process, we engaged and prepared the Dzimauli, a community of low socioeconomic status, to participate in a longitudinal, observational study. In addition to contributing to the objectives of The Etiology, Risk Factors and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health and Development (MAL-ED) cohort study, we established a high degree of public trust and understanding of scientific research within the community and its leaders. This has resulted in creating an entirely new site suitable for potential future field-based intervention studies based on an improved understanding of the factors influencing child health in this community.
authors.affiliation: HIV/AIDS and Global Health Research Programme, Department of Microbiology.
authors.forename: Pascal Obong
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Bessong
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences.
authors.forename: Emanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nyathi
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition.
authors.forename: Tjale Cloupas
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Mahopo
authors.affiliation: Community Engagement Directorate, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: Vhonani
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Netshandama
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Dzimauli community; Limpopo Province; MAL-ED cohort study; South Africa