Citation
Ssewamala, Fred M.; Shu-Huah Wang, Julia; Brathwaite, Rachel; Sun, Sicong; Jennings Mayo-Wilson, Larissa; Neilands, Torsten B.; & Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne (2021). Impact of a Family Economic Intervention (Bridges) on Health Functioning of Adolescents Orphaned by HIV/AIDS: A 5-Year (2012-2017) Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Uganda. American Journal of Public Health, 111(3), 504-513. PMCID: PMC7893332Abstract
Objectives. To investigate the long-term impacts of a family economic intervention on physical, mental, and sexual health of adolescents orphaned by AIDS in Uganda.Methods. Students in grades 5 and 6 from 48 primary schools in Uganda were randomly assigned at the school level (cluster randomization) to 1 of 3 conditions: (1) control (n = 487; 16 schools), (2) Bridges (1:1 savings match rate; n = 396; 16 schools), or (3) Bridges PLUS (2:1 savings match rate; n = 500; 16 schools).
Results. At 24 months, compared with participants in the control condition, Bridges and Bridges PLUS participants reported higher physical health scores, lower depressive symptoms, and higher self-concept and self-efficacy. During the same period, Bridges participants reported lower sexual risk-taking intentions compared with the other 2 study conditions. At 48 months, Bridges and Bridges PLUS participants reported better self-rated health, higher savings, and lower food insecurity. During the same period, Bridges PLUS participants reported reduced hopelessness, and greater self-concept and self-efficacy. At 24 and 48 months, Bridges PLUS participants reported higher savings than Bridges participants.
Conclusions. Economic interventions targeting families raising adolescents orphaned by AIDS can contribute to long-term positive health and overall well-being of these families.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2020.306044Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2021Journal Title
American Journal of Public HealthAuthor(s)
Ssewamala, Fred M.Shu-Huah Wang, Julia
Brathwaite, Rachel
Sun, Sicong
Jennings Mayo-Wilson, Larissa
Neilands, Torsten B.
Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne