Providing peer support through cell phones and group meetings to increase exclusive breastfeeding

Kenya

Project Summary

This randomized trial will investigate the potential to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates through peer mother support delivered either by cell phone or through group meetings. It will follow a cohort of more than 800 women attending antenatal care at a Baby-Friendly Hospital facility in an urban Kenyan community, and compare indicators of breastfeeding and infant and maternal health between groups receiving different types of peer mother support.

Collaborating Institutions

University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, is a public research university recognized as a global leader in research and teaching in multiple disciplines.

Egerton University in Njoro, Kenya, is a public university recognized as a specialist in research, teaching and extension in multiple disciplines.

Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private research university recognized as a leader in global health research and education.

Principal Investigators

Dr. Daniel Sellen, Ph.D., Professor, University of Toronto

Dr. Elizabeth Kamau-Mbuthia, Ph.D., Chair of Human Nutrition, Egerton University

Dr. Aimee Webb, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University

Samuel Mbugua, MSC, Lecturer in Human Nutrition, Egerton University