The SUUBI Program: Asset-Ownership for Orphaned Children in Uganda

Phase 1

Completed

• Conditions: Poverty

• Registration Number: NCT01163695
• Lead Sponsor: Columbia University

Brief Summary

This study examines an economic empowerment model of care and support for orphaned adolescents in rural Uganda. The Suubi intervention focuses on economic empowerment of families caring for orphaned youths. It attempts to address the health risks and poor educational achievements resulting from poverty and limited options.

Detailed Description

The AIDS epidemic and a 20-year civil war have had a devastating impact on Uganda. The events have led to population displacement, worsening living conditions, exacerbation of poverty, and disruption of already weakened social service systems. As implemented, the Suubi Project goes considerably beyond the usual care, which primarily consists of institutionalization and reactive strategies (involving food and material aid). Specifically, the intervention promotes children's savings accounts, also known as children development accounts, for postprimary education and microenterprise development (i.e., development of small income-generating businesses).

The Suubi intervention is grounded in asset theory (Sherraden 1990, 1991), which holds that assets (e.g., savings, educational opportunities, and economic opportunities in the form of income-generating activities or microenterprises) have important economic, social, and psychological benefits for individuals and families. Asset building is increasingly viewed as a critical factor for reducing poverty, improving psychosocial functioning, and positively affecting attitudes and behaviors.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2005-06
• Primary Completion: 2008-06
• Study Completion: 2009-01
• Study First Submitted: 2010-07-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-07-15
• Study First Posted: 2010-07-16
• Status Verified: 2014-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-03-13
• Last Update Posted: 2014-03-14

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 286

Inclusion Criteria

• an orphaned child, defined as a child who has lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS; enrolled in primary school (even though possibly not attending regularly); between the ages of 12 to 15 years.

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Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Savings and asset-accumulation	baseline, 10-month and 20-month post-intervention	past experience, current savings, and attitudes toward saving

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Sexual risk taking	baseline, 10-month and 20-month post-intervention	Sexual risk taking behavior (history and onset of sexual intercourse), Intentions to engage in sexual risk behaviors
Educational outcomes	baseline, 10-month, and 20-month post-intervention	School enrollment, School attendance, School grades, Educational aspirations
Mental health	baseline, 10-month and 20-month post-intervention	Self-esteem, depression, hopelessness, helplessness
Social and family support	baseline, 10-month and 20-month post-intervention	Emotional support from caregivers, practical assistance, financial assistance and advice/guidance, and family communication

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

St. Joseph's Matale Parish; 🇺🇬 Rakai, Uganda