Health research unit approval

Approval was obtained from the Botswana MoH, through the National Health Research Committee and the managements of the four study sites.

Informed consent

The informed consent process involved the data collector giving a verbal explanation to each potential participant on the nature of the study, its purpose, the procedures involved, the expected duration, the potential risks and benefits involved, and any discomfort it might entail. Each potential participant was also informed that participation in the study was completely voluntary and that they could withdraw at any time, and that withdrawal of consent would not affect their subsequent treatment or relationship with the facility staff or any other person.

The participants were also assured that all information gathered would be treated as confidential and would be accessible only to the researchers, who would be responsible for its safekeeping. There would be anonymity in the reported findings.