Impact of a family economic empowerment intervention on parenting stress among caregivers of AIDS orphaned children in Uganda

HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa continue to significantly contribute to the problem of orphanhood. Uganda is a home to 1.2 million AIDS-orphaned children (UNAIDS, 2012). Most AIDS orphans are absorbed into the extended family system (as opposed to institutions). However, the psychological and financial constraints increase caregiver distress, resulting into negative parenting practices, which may have a direct impact on the children's health, behavioral and emotional outcomes. Yet, very few studies exist on effective interventions to support and buffer caregiver parenting stress. This study examines the impact of a family economic empowerment intervention on parenting stress among caregivers of AIDS orphans in Uganda. The study utilizes data from the NIMH-funded randomized clinical trial - Suubi-Maka. Caregiver-child dyads were randomly assigned to either the control condition (n=167) receiving usual care or the treatment condition (n=179) receiving an economic intervention (matched savings accounts and financial planning and management workshops). Interviews were conducted at baseline, 10-month; and 20-month follow-up. Controlling for socioeconomic demographics at 20-months follow up, caregivers (mean age 45.7, range 18-87) in the treatment condition reported significant decline in stress levels (B= -4.87, 95%CI =-8.3, -1.5, p=. 005) compared to the control condition. Specifically, caregivers reported significant decline on parental distress and parent-child dysfunctional relationship subscales. Findings from this study point to the potential of family economic empowerment intervention to improve the health functioning and wellbeing of caregivers. Future public health programs and policies should consider incorporating family economic strengthening components in their programming to help support caregivers and their families.