Lay summary
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is an autoimmune condition caused by untreated Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection of the throat and possibly skin. Multiple or sever attacks of ARF can cause permanent heart damage known as Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). Painful monthly injections of Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG) are given intramuscularly for 10 years or more to prevent GAS infections. This project seeks to explore the perspectives and preferences of children and young people who received regular BPG injections to prevent ARF/RHD, for a new reformulated version of BPG. These findings will directly inform global research efforts to reformulate BPG to produce a more appropriate form of Penicillin for those with ARF/RHD.