Chiguru Adivasi Birth cohort study: A protocol for examining the effects of parental substance use on child development in southern Indian Adivasi communities.

<ns3:p>Background Children of parents who use substances such as tobacco and alcohol are at risk of adverse outcomes, which includes emotional, social, behavioural, cognitive issues, and malnutrition. The combination of higher rates of malnutrition and increasing substance use may contribute to ongoing and intergenerational developmental disadvantages. However, there is limited research examining the long-term health implications of parental substance usage on children post-birth within Adivasi (Indigenous) communities. This study represents the first large-scale Adivasi birth cohort study aimed at prospectively investigating the impacts of parental and family members' substance use on child growth and developmental outcomes in Southern Karnataka's Adivasi (Indigenous) communities. Method A prospective longitudinal cohort study has been established to follow infants from birth to three years of age. Parents and family members are invited to participate. This study will collect data on substance use (alcohol and tobacco) as an exposure variable. The primary outcomes measured are child growth parameters, including stunting, wasting, and underweight. Secondary outcomes include early childhood development (gross motor, fine motor, language, and social domains), assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT). Information on socio-demographics, household wealth index, family diet, mental health, child immunisation, family morbidity, chronic conditions, and social support will be collected. We aim to recruit 650 newborns and their families (2023-2026). Discussion This study offers a comprehensive investigation of parental substance use and its consequences on child development within the Adivasi community in southern India. It seeks to identify significant risk factors and enhance understanding of the implications of parental substance use on infant development. Moreover, the study highlights the underrepresentation and neglect of research within Adivasi populations, fostering long-term research collaboration with the community. Ultimately, it aims to provide evidence to policymakers regarding substance use issues, health challenges, and child growth and development.</ns3:p>