Treatment visits
Participants were assessed at 3-month intervals for a year (four visits). At each visit, the same examiner evaluated the information recorded in the diary and validated it by history taking before calculating the USS. To minimise bias, the recording and the calculation of the USS was carried out independently of the findings at previous visits, and all participants were assessed twice by the same two clinicians on all visits. The remaining medication tablets were counted at each visit, to assess participants’ compliance with the treatment regime. Those who were deemed non-compliant were excluded from the study. At each visit, blood tests for haematinics, liver and kidney function, blood pressure and weight recordings were all performed to monitor for side effects of the medications.