Participant sampling and recruitment
The FGDs were covered under the wider RCT’s feasibility study ethical clearance. All methods were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki’s guidelines. The study was approved by The Gambia Government/MRCG joint ethics committee (SCC 1620).We used convenience sampling to recruit participants for the focus group discussions. Pregnant mothers attending an antenatal clinic at Kanifing General Hospital were approached for their participation. Study staff (social scientist and research clinician) approached women and explained the objectives and details of the study before obtaining informed consent. An informed consent form was administered by the research clinician or field worker facilitating the FGD sessions. The consent form was written in English and was verbally translated as required. The participants were allowed as much time as wished to consider the information, and the opportunity to question the personnel administrating the ICF. Written informed consent was obtained by means of participant dated signature and dated signature of the person who administered the consent form. In cases of illiterate participants, her left thumb impression was obtained. Those women who consented when approached by researchers at the antenatal clinic were then invited to a room within the antenatal facility for the focus group discussions.