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. 2023;16(1):395-420.
doi: 10.1007/s12187-022-09982-w. Epub 2022 Nov 2.

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Interventions and Child Wellbeing in Zambia

Vidya Diwakar  1 , Amanda Lenhardt  2 , Emmanuel Tumusiime  3 , Joseph Simbaya  4 , Arthur Moonga  5
Affiliations

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Interventions and Child Wellbeing in Zambia

Vidya Diwakar et al. Child Indic Res. 2023.

Abstract

Psychosocial factors contribute to persistence of poverty, but are rarely addressed in poverty reduction programs. We use mixed methods to investigate the relationship between a psychosocial behaviour change approach-empowered worldview (EWV), and investment decisions in children wellbeing among smallholder farmers in Zambia. Three years after exposure to EWV, logistic regression model results suggest that exposure to EWV was associated with an increased probability of parents providing basic needs of children including school fees, clothes, and food. This probability increased with more trainings. Using a matched sample, the average treatment effect on the treated of EWV is positive and statistically significant. Qualitative results reveal EWV enhanced participant agency, spouses' propensity to work together and with others in the community, and aspirations for themselves and their children. These results point to the prevalence of psychosocial constraints and the need for interventions to sustainably address them to support human development.

Keywords: Behaviour change; Child wellbeing; Poverty; Social resilience; Zambia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestThere are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Social and cognitive dimensions of social resilience, in relation to EWV and THRIVE. Source: Author’s illustration based on Kwok et al. (2016) and World Vision’s EWV curricula
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Standardized percent bias across covariates [model outcome = all child needs]
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Predicted probabilities of EWV and agency on child wellbeing
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Predicted probabilities of EWV and collaboration on child wellbeing
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Confidence, training, and improved provision of food and education needs
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Predicted probabilities of EWV and non-HH reliance on child wellbeing
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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