Table 1. Features of the CHAIN Network Cohort Study.

Who is conducting the research?	KEMRI/Ministry of Health/University of Oxford/University of Washington
Study design	Stratified cohort study
Study objectives	The CHAIN cohort study aims to characterize the biomedical and social risk factors for mortality in acutely ill children in hospitals and after discharge to identify targeted interventions to reduce mortality (Childhood Acute & Nutrition, 2019)
Key processes and procedures	Child will continue to receive standard care Blood samples (5 ml) in 2 days, 5 days, at discharge, days 45, 90, and 180 Fecal swabs during admission and follow-up clinics Detailed measurements of child’s nutritional intake status and intake Questionnaires about general and mental health of caregiver Home visits for further questions Follow-up checks after 6 weeks, 3, and 6 months If child is sick during study, can bring to pediatric or study clinic	Additional contextual information 5 ml of blood sample explained as equivalent to teaspoon full In brief, caregivers are informed what will happen in normal clinical care Parents allowed opportunities to ask any questions
Risks	Pain and discomfort from needle prick Rarely, an infection might occur as result of taking blood samples
Benefits	Close observation during the study Free check-up during the follow-up visits Reimbursed transport and out-of-pocket expenses Societal benefit to improve care for children
Societal benefit to improve care for children	Free to decide Decision will not affect standard care Free to change mind at anytime
What happens to the samples	Some will be examined at the hospital Some will be stored Some tests will be done overseas if not available locally
Sponsor	University of Oxford
Funder	The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Note. CHAIN = Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition.