Life Skills Training Research Articles

Transition to adult services experienced by young people with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study.

To assess if young people with cerebral palsy experience and health professionals provide practices that may improve transition from child to adult health services. Seventy-five young people (31 females, 44 males; mean age 18 years 5 months [standard deviation 2 years 2 months]) and/or parents and 108 health professionals completed a questionnaire describing their experience or the provision of nine transition practices. The percentage of young people reporting each practice was: appropriate parent involvement (90%); promotion of health self-efficacy (37%); named worker who supports the transition process (36%); self-management support for physical health (36%); self-management support for mental health (17%); information about the transition process (24%); meeting the adult team (16%); and life skills training (16%). Post-discharge, 10% of young people reported that their general practitioner (GP) received a discharge letter. The percentage of health professionals reporting each practice was: promotion of health self-efficacy (73.2%); self-management support (73.2%); information (69%); consulting the parent and young person about parent involvement (63% and 66%); discharge letter to a GP (55%); life skills training (36%); named worker (35%); meeting the adult team (30%); and senior manager (20%). Many young people did not experience practices that may improve the experience and outcomes of transition. Young people should be involved in the development and delivery of transition to ensure it meets their needs. Many young people with cerebral palsy (CP) do not receive support that may improve the experience of transition. Appropriate protocols and training for health professionals may improve the provision of transition and reduce inconsistency in care between and within organizations. Young people and their families should be involved in service design, delivery, and evaluation related to the transition to ensure it meets their needs.

Study on life skills among high school adolescents studying in English and Tamil medium in government school

The present study aimed to assess the level of life skills in high school adolescents and investigate the impact of the medium of instruction on life skills. The objective of the present study was to compare the life skills of high school adolescents in the medium of instruction, namely Tamil and English Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The sample comprised 380 high school adolescents studying in class 8, in the age group 13-14 years from Schools in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was hypothesized that the students in the mother tongue medium (Tamil) and those who studied in English medium do not differ significantly on the measure of life skills. To measure life skills, Life skills Assessment scale with 100 items was used. It was found that most of the adolescents had average life skills, very few had high life skills, and some had low life skills, thus indicating the need for including life skills training program as a part of the curriculum. The results from the t-test showed a significant difference in life skills of high school adolescents with the medium of instruction, and the adolescents in Tamil Medium had comparatively better life skills than their English counterparts.

Effectiveness and Factors Associated with Improved Life Skill Levels of Participants of a Large-Scale Youth-Focused Life Skills Training and Counselling Services Program (LSTCP): Evidence from India

(1) Background: To empower and facilitate mental health promotion for nearly 18 million youth, a pioneering state-wide Life Skills Training and Counselling Services Program (LSTCP) was implemented in Karnataka, India. This study assesses the changes in life skills scores, level of life skills and factors associated with increased life skills among participants of the LSTCP. (2) Method: This pre–post study design was conducted on 2669 participants who underwent a six-day structured LSTCP. Changes in mean life skills scores and level of life skill categories pre- and post-LSTCP were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the factors associated with increases in life skills. (3) Results: The LSTCP resulted in significant changes in life skill scores and level of life skills, indicating the effectiveness of the training. All life skill domains, except empathy and self-awareness, increased post-training. There was a positive shift in the level of life skills. Age (AOR = 1.34, CI = 1.11–1.62), gender (AOR = 1.39, CI = 1.15–1.68), education (AOR = 1.44, CI = 1.05–1.97) and physical (AOR = 1.02, CI = 1.01–1.03) and psychological (AOR = 1.02, CI = 1.01–1.03) quality of life was associated with an increase in life skills among participants. (4) Conclusions: The LSTCP is effective in improving the life skills of participants. The LSTCP modules and processes can be used to further train youth and contribute to mental health promotion in the state.

Effectiveness of Life Skills Training in Reducing Neurosis Symptoms in Women

Background: Neurotic people have intense and continuous emotional sensitivity to others and avoid expressing their feelings. Because of the low level of ego power, they are easily overcome by their emotions and are unable to adapt their behavior to various situations. Training the life skills improves psycho-social abilities which can empower individuals to deal with conflicts and contradictions of life.
 Methods: This study determined the effectiveness of training programs of life skills to reduce the symptoms of neurosis in married women living in deprived areas of Isfahan, in 2017. To achieve this end, a clinical trial was conducted using pretest-posttest and control group. Among all married women living in deprived areas of Isfahan, 40 individuals who acquired the highest scores in assessment of neurosis by NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory-short Form were selected and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (20 people per group). Life skill training was performed for experimental group for 8 sessions, one session per week, each session lasting 2 hours. Data were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics (Mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (ANOVA, Analysis of covariance).
 Results: The results of analysis of covariance showed that life skill training program significantly reduced the symptoms of neurosis among women (P<0.005). Such a change was not seen in women in the control group.
 Conclusions: Findings of the study reflect the efficacy of life skills training on diminishing neurosis symptoms in women.

Virtual reality based multiple life skill training for intellectual disability: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

• A VR based life skill training was developed, including shopping, cooking, and cleaning tasks. • VR training can improve cooking and cleaning performance. • VR training had better improvement on memory span than traditional training. • IQ is a significant confounder to the outcome. Life skill-based training is essential for intellectual disabled individuals to regain autonomy and social inclusion. Virtual reality (VR) could deliver a nascent application that is more engaging and secure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the training effects of the VR-based multiple life skill training program on life skill performance, self-efficacy, memory, cognitive and behavioral functions via a multicenter randomized controlled trial. A total of 145 intellectual disabled participants were recruited for a randomized controlled trial with three intervention arms: VR ( n = 42); traditional ( n = 53); and control ( n = 50). The life skill tasks for the interventions included 1) grocery shopping, 2) cooking, and 3) kitchen cleaning. Outcome measures were performance scores for the three tasks, self-efficacy scale, digit span score, and Frontal Assessment Battery score, graded by blinded assessors. Before-after effects of each group were evaluated using separated Wilcoxon Signed-rank tests. VR significantly improved cooking, cleaning performance, and memory span, while traditional training significantly improved shopping, cooking, and cleaning tasks. The generalized estimating equation evaluated effects between groups adjusted for age, gender and intelligence quotient (IQ). VR had significantly larger improvement effects in cooking and cleaning than the control group and memory span compared to traditional training and controls groups. IQ appeared to be a significant confounder on the training effect. Future work may consider developing artificial intelligence to customize programs depending on IQ level.

A holistic analysis of the effects on tangible domains of a multi-domain independent living program

ABSTRACT This study explored the effectiveness of a multi-domain Independent Living Program (ILP) in providing services to older foster youth transitioning to adulthood in a largely white sample. The study involved analysis of 119 Independent Living (IL) plans of 97 current and former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 21. The plans focused on seven domains central to successful transition to adulthood. A checklist of goals for all seven domains of the ILP was used to determine which goals were focused on, and the former IL coordinator and staff determined if goals were achieved. This paper addressed results regarding tangible domains of education, employment, housing, and life skills. Results showed that the ILP was successful in life skills training in areas such as budgeting and homemaking skills, permanency, high school graduation, seeking employment, and use of career services. It showed weaknesses in the areas of setting long-term goals, pursuit of postsecondary education, and life skills such as driving. Future research should involve randomized control trials of ILPs or more diverse samples.

Pilot Study - Impact of Multifaceted Interventional Package to Address the Dietary Pattern, Nutritional Status & Psychosocial Wellbeing among Children Infected with HIV/AIDS in Bagalkot, Karnataka

Background of the study: HIV-infection and malnutrition are strongly linked for many years, the most common malnutrition form observed among HIV-infected children and adolescents worldwide was the acute malnutrition or wasting syndrome, characterized by significant decrease in body fat, and lean and bone mass, that was accompanied by growth retardation.1 Diet plays a crucial role in the immune system of HIV/AIDS patients, as sufficient amounts of macro- and micronutrients are essential for its normal functioning, whereas psychosocial wellbeing has been found to improve the mental ability in HIV-infected children. Therefore, adherence to a healthy diet and achieving an optimal psychosocial wellbeing from the early to advanced stages of HIV infection in this population is essential in order to maintain a good nutritional status, quality of life and self esteem to optimize health outcomes and to prevent future chronic complications. 2 Aims: The aim of the study was to assess impact of multifaceted interventional package on dietary pattern, nutritional status and psychosocial wellbeing among children infected with HIV/AIDS. Objectives: To assess the dietary pattern, nutritional status & psycho-social well being of children To find out the effectiveness of multi-faceted interventional package on dietary pattern, nutritional status & psycho-social well being of children To find out the association between dietary pattern, , nutritional status & psycho-social well being with selected socio-demographic variables To identify the correlation between dietary pattern with nutritional status & psycho-social well being of children To find out the correlation between nutritional status & psycho-social well being of children Methodology: A true experimental research study was conducted to assess the impact of multifaceted interventional package on dietary pattern, nutritional status and psychosocial wellbeing among children infected with HIV/AIDS. 20 children aged between 8-17 years attending Taluka ART Center Hungund, Dist Bagalkot has been selected for the study. Disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was used. Data was collected by using the following tools rating scale for dietary pattern, electronic weighing scale for weight, height measurement board for measuring height and Shakir’s tape for MUAC. Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDsQL 4.0) were used to assess the self esteem and quality of life of children. Interventions used in the study are nutrition training intervention and life-skill training programme. Mann Whitney’s U test was used to find the effectiveness of intervention, Spearman’s Rank order Correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between variables and frequency, Percentage distribution were used to describe the variables under the study Results: The mean pre post test score of children in experimental group was 29.2 + 4.26 which increased to 34.6 + 3.41in post test whereas the mean pre-test score of control group was 29.9 + 3.6 which increased to 30.8 + 3.77 in post-test. The Mann Whitney U value was 2 and P Value <0.000, which shows that the Nutritional training intervention was effective in improving the dietary pattern of children with HIV/AIDS. Hence the alternative hypothesis the post test dietary pattern scores will be significantly higher than pre-test scores in experimental group than control group was accepted. Spearman’s Rank order correlation coefficient was used to calculate the correlation between dietary pattern and self-esteem of children with HIV/AIDS. A moderate positive correlation (R= 0.300) was found between Dietary pattern and self-esteem of children. Conclusion: The pilot study revealed that both the nutritional training intervention and life-skill training programme are effective in improving the nutritional status, self esteem & quality of life of children with HIV/AIDS. A strong positive correlation (R= 0.85) was found between self esteem and Nutritional status of children. . A strong positive correlation (R= 0.76) was found between quality of life and nutritional status of children. it is also revealed that tools used in the study are highly reliable and the study is feasible and practicable. Further-it will be examined in the main research study with large sample size. Keywords: Impact, Multifaceted Interventional package, effectiveness, HIV children, Self esteem, quality of life, dietary pattern, nutritional status, nutritional training intervention, psycho-social wellbeing, ART center.

Life skills training, hope, and health: An interventional study in the North West of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesSuburbanization is associated with an individual's health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of life skills training on the hope and health of women referred to comprehensive health service centers in the suburbs of Khoy city. Study designquasi-experimental study (Pre-test/Post-test with a control group) Methodsin this study, out of 5 comprehensive health service centers, two centers were selected as intervention and comparison groups, and from each center, 37 women were randomly selected. At first, both groups completed the Goldberg general health questionnaire and the Miller hope questionnaire, and the intervention group was taught life skills. At the end of the training, both groups were re-evaluated. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and dispersion indices were used in data analysis. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests were used in inferential statistics. ResultsGroup training in life skills did not significantly affect hope (P.value = 0.972) and various aspects of health (P.value = 0.421). ConclusionsIt seems that only interventions such as life skills training will not improve suburban women's hope and health. Perhaps improving social infrastructure and comprehensive living conditions in suburban areas will promote hope and health.

The Development of Life Skill Education Evaluation Model at Life Skill Training Centre

<p style="text-align:justify">This research aims to develop the product of the life skill education program (LSEP) which is accurate, credible, and effective. This research used the Plomp model. The model covers the input, process, output, outcome and consists of instrument, scoring guidance, and good or bad criteria. The instruments used in the model are the questionnaire, observation sheet and interview guide. The content validity of the questionnaire and observation sheet was proved by expert judgement and continued by using the Aiken Formula, the construct validity of the questionnaire was proved by the construct validity using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The content validity of the questionnaire and observation sheet involved 9 validity experts. The questionnaire construct was done in two steps; the first step involved 65 students analyzed using EFA and the second step involved 199 students analyzed with CFA. The reliability of the observation sheet and questionnaire was estimated by using the Cronbach Alpha technique. The result of the trial model and its analysis shows that all the instruments are good. LSEP model is tested by involving 15 students in the course and training institute. The result of the trial model shows that the model is effective because the users explains that the model is: a) comprehensive, covering many components and sub component programs such as the input, process, output, outcome, b) practical, simple and easy in usage, c) economical, not needing much cost, energy, and time, also d) supported by valid and reliable data collection instrument.</p>

Economic opportunities for Mexican women from low socioeconomic status: results from a technical and life skills training program

This study presents the outcomes of a technical and life-skills training program in Mexico aimed to help women from low socioeconomic status (SES) find formal employment in sales, retail, and/ or customer service. To determine the extent to which the program reached its target population and its impacts, researchers analyzed a national database of over sixty-eight thousand Mexican beneficiaries from 2016 to 2020 and conducted telephone surveys with a representative sample of women beneficiaries in Veracruz. Results from the national-level analysis of 5,326 women participants identified as low SES indicate that 23 % found better economic and educational opportunities. The state-level analysis of 94 low SES women in Veracruz was higher, with 40 % reporting to have found better opportunities; of those who reported salary information, roughly half improved their income. Lessons learned are discussed regarding reaching target populations and the potential of job training programs in developing countries.

Influence of Classroom-Level Factors on Implementation Fidelity During Scale-up of Evidence-Based Interventions

As evidence-based interventions (EBIs) become more widely disseminated, fidelity of implementation (FOI) often wanes. This study explores the association between FOI and malleable variables within classrooms that could be targeted to optimize resources without compromising FOI as school-based EBIs are disseminated across real-world settings. We utilized process evaluation data from a national dissemination project of the Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) middle school program, a universal prevention intervention shown to reduce substance use. The sample included 1,626 teachers in 371 schools across 14 states. Hierarchical linear models examined the relationship between observational measures of implementation factors and three domains of fidelity (e.g., adherence, student responsiveness, and quality of delivery). Findings suggest that curriculum modifications, student misbehavior, and shortage of time to implement the LST middle school program were factors most associated with lower FOI. Class size, access to program materials, and whether LST was delivered in a traditional classroom setting that is well-suited for instruction (versus in a less structured environment such as the school cafeteria) are less predictive. In scale-up of classroom-based universal interventions targeting behavioral health outcomes, our findings indicate that carefully vetting modifications, supporting classroom management strategies, and ensuring sufficient class time for implementation of highly interactive EBIs such as LST are important considerations. Since changes to EBIs are inevitable, efforts are needed to guide facilitators in making adjustments that improve program fit without compromising the essential intervention activities deemed necessary to produce desired outcomes.

Life skills and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey.

Adolescents require life skills and individual and interpersonal abilities to grow into adults with a healthy lifestyle. Although the majority of the literature indicates that life skills increase teenagers' cognitive, social, and emotional abilities, there is a lack of data correlating life skills to sexual risk behaviors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between life skills and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents aged 15-19 in Bandung, Indonesia. This study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey of 480 adolescents from April to May 2021. A representative sample was drawn from the students aged 15-19 years. The participants were selected using simple random sampling generated by computer software. Life Skill Training Questionnaire High School (LSTQ-HS) and sexual risk behaviors instruments were used for data collection, and logistic regression was used for data analysis. From a total of 480 respondents, about 23.3% had masturbation experience, 25.8% had petting experience, 8.3% had sexual intercourse, 5% had sex before 18 years of age, and 4.2% had oral sex experience. Sexual risky behaviors were associated with unfavorable refusal skill (AOR = 6.46, 95% CI = 2.37, 17.53), assertiveness skill (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.32, 4.33), problem-solving skill (AOR = 5.35, 95% CI = 2.88, 11.39), and self-control skill (AOR = 7.31, 95% CI = 2.79, 17.24). Life skills are important protective aspects for those who engage in sexually risky behavior. Considering the study findings, tailored life skills programs are critical for adolescent wellbeing and risk reduction. Nurses who take a proactive role in providing sexual and reproductive health services may provide more accurate information and provide early screening and assessment for sexual and reproductive behavior to reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents. Schools are also encouraged to work with local health departments to conduct sexual education counseling programs.

Investigating the Relationship Between Structural Determinants of Health and Preterm Delivery: A Systematic Review

Background: Preterm delivery is one of the main causes of newborn mortality, signifying the inequality of conditions in receiving the necessary prenatal care. Objectives: The present systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between preterm delivery and socio-structural determinants of health with an emphasis on occupation, education, and income in Iranian society based on the World Health Organization model. Methods: In this systematic review, all observational articles published from 2000 to November 2021 were examined by searching the international and Persian databases of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane, IranDoc, and SID. Keywords were extracted through the MESH. The articles were searched using English and Persian keywords of occupation, education, income, social and economic status, and preterm delivery and appropriate operators, such as AND, OR, as well as a combination of the search strategy of each database, and all related articles were collected. Results: In the initial search, 1456 articles were found, and a total number of 17 articles were finally included in the study, of which 12 articles were on occupation, ten articles on education, four studies on income, two studies on socio-economic status, seven studies on occupation, and eight studies on education. All studies on income and socio-economic status had shown a statistically significant relationship between these structural determinants and preterm delivery. Conclusions: Preterm delivery is a prevalent problem with critical complications in Iran and there is a significant relationship between structural determinants and preterm delivery. Appropriate interventions, such as life skills training, self-care, and prenatal care can help mitigate pregnancy outcomes.

СЕЛЕКТИВНАЯ ПРОФИЛАКТИКА СУИЦИДАЛЬНОГО ПОВЕДЕНИЯ У НЕСОВЕРШЕННОЛЕТНИХ РЕСПУБЛИКИ САХА (ЯКУТИЯ)

The article discusses the conditions and forms of selective prevention of suicidal behavior in minors living in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Recently, theWHO approved a new classification for the prevention of mental disorders. There are 3 types of prevention in this classification: universal, focused on the initial prevention of mental disorders, and aimed at the entire population. This form corresponds to the previous concept of primary prevention. The next type is selective prevention aimed at risk groups (previously not separately allocated). Indicative prevention corresponds to the previous concept of tertiary prevention. Selective prevention from this classification was first applied by us in relation to the prevention of suicidal behavior. This selective prevention is aimed at adolescents who are at increased risk of suicide in biological, psychological, or socio-economic terms. The article presents a profile of a modern minor suicidal person in the North: a boy from among the representatives of the indigenous population with anxious and suspicious character traits, most often coming from an incomplete family. The content of selective prevention is revealed: it is a psychological correction of the emotional and personal sphere of children and adolescents to reduce anxiety, increase self-confidence, correct self-esteem and the level of claims. For psychological correction, it is recommended to use such behavioral therapy methods as game psychotherapy, assertiveness training, life skills training, and male mentoring.

A Qualitative Content Analysis of Psychosocial Needs Affecting Hookah Use by Women

Background: Hookah use has become highly popular among Iranian women. The objective of the present study was to identify the psychosocial factors affecting hookah use by women during 2018- 2019 using a conventional content analysis approach. Materials and Methods: Participants were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview by the purposeful method with maximum diversity in terms of age, education, occupation, hookah use status, and geographical areas of the city. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews and analyzed through content analysis. The interview continued until obtaining no new category. Software MAXQDA (version 10) was used for data analysis. Results: In general, 36 participants were interviewed based on the study aim. In this study, the focus was on the category of psychosocial needs, including 9 subcategories of searching for peace of mind, inner gap, physical and psychological dependence, need for recreation, curiosity, tendency to express oneself, attraction, satisfaction, companionship and competition with others, leisure time, pleasure, and inexperience. Conclusion: Several psychosocial factors were effective in hookah use among women. Providing the necessary recreational facilities for women and families and training life skills can be effective in reducing hookah use.

A "Plus" Model for Safe Transitions to Adulthood: Impacts of an Integrated Intervention Layered onto A National Social Protection Program on Sexual Behavior and Health Seeking among Tanzania's Youth.

Poverty is a structural driver of risky sexual behaviors. While cash transfers can mitigate some of this risk, complementary interventions have been posited as a way to further reduce multidimensional vulnerability. We examine the impacts of a multicomponent intervention targeted to Tanzanian adolescents on their sexual behaviors and reproductive health. The intervention comprised livelihood and life skills training, mentoring, and health facilities' strengthening. Data come from a cluster randomized controlled trial, where one study arm received the intervention and the other was randomized to control, but both arms participated in a government cash transfer program. Among 1,933 adolescents interviewed over three rounds, we found increases in contraceptive and HIV knowledge. The program also increased health seeking and HIV testing among boys, but slightly reduced age at sexual debut among girls. There were no impacts on contraceptive use, number of sexual partners, or pregnancy. Findings support the value of an adolescent intervention, and the fact that it was delivered within a social protection platform suggests a potential for scalability. Additional efforts are required to delay sexual debut and reduce the number of sexual partners and pregnancy, possibly through addressing supply-side barriers and social norms, or through additional linkages to economic opportunities.

Educating rural girls in their life skills through painting

Education is the foundation stone and girls are the pillars for the sustainable development of a nation. National Education Policy 2020 of India has touched life skill to bring forth some modifications in curriculum for mental well-being of adolescents, but an exclusive picture mode is missing in all life skill fields of studies. Focusing on the literacy on selected life skills through a contemporary creative medium, this article presents a new methodological approach in life skill training. Pictures generally attract children.A module with digital paintings on life skill quotes was prepared by the researcher and after training of rural girl participants, significant difference in the calculated T-test value from the table value was observed in analysis. Thus result gave initial evidence within the context by the participants on the effectiveness of the use of digital painting in the module in training life skills selected for the study, which has great educational significance in mental health area.

Developing Community Resilience through Grassroot Initiatives: Comparing Culturally Adapted Substance Use Prevention Programs Directed towards Indigenous Youth in Canada

Considering the growing prevalence of substance use amongst young people, prevention programs targeting children and adolescents are needed to protect against related cognitive, psychological, and behavioural issues. Preventative programs that have been adapted to Canadian Indigenous cultures in school and family settings are discussed. The first and second phase of the Life Skills Training (LST) program and the Maskwacis Life Skills Training (MLST) program are reviewed, as well as Bii-Zin-Da-De-Da (BZDDD; “Listening to One Another”) and a culturally sensitive smoking prevention program. Motivating factors, comorbid disorders, and at-risk personality types associated with substance use amongst Canadian children and adolescents, specifically Indigenous youth, are considered through the application of the biopsychosocial model. This paper aims to describe the requital efforts being made in Canada towards Indigenous communities, to compare substance use prevention programs targeting Indigenous children and adolescents, and to provide suggestions for future research on preventative interventions directed towards substance use within minority groups.

The feasibility of using life skills training in primary schools to improve mental health and academic performance: a pilot study in Kenya

BackgroundThere is no Kenyan evidence on the relationship between mental illness and academic performance. We aimed to determine the effect of life skills training on mental health and academic performance.MethodsWe administered to 1848 primary school children a researcher designed socio-demographic questionnaire, and the Youth Self Report (YSR) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to their parents, followed by eight sessions of life skills training. We extracted data from the individual records of each child on overall performance pre and post training separated by one year. We conducted descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, multivariate linear regression analysis and linear mixed model analysis to assess changing patterns of academic performance and any predictive characteristics.ResultsThere was significant (p < 0.05) improvement in overall academic performance (aggregate marks and all individual subjects) for both lower primary and upper primary classes after the life-skills training intervention. For lower classes (2-4 grades) increase in academic performance was significantly associated with fathers and mothers education levels, region and class. For upper classes, (5-7 grades) increase in academic performance was associated with region, class and age.ConclusionsLife skills training is recommended as it could improve academic performance, but predicted by socio-demographic factors.

Impacts of Multisectoral Cash Plus Programs on Marriage and Fertility After 4 Years in Pastoralist Kenya: A Randomized Trial

PurposeEarly marriage has multiple drivers including cultural and social norms alongside lack of educational and economic opportunities. This complexity may explain why few programs have demonstrated marriage delays and suggests multisectoral interventions are necessary. This study examined a 2-year multisectoral program designed to delay marriage in a marginalized setting. MethodsThe study used a prospective 80-cluster randomized trial following up 2,147 girls aged 11–14 years from 2015 to 2019. Interventions included community dialogs about inequitable gender norms (violence prevention), a conditional cash transfer (education), weekly group meetings with health and life skills training (health), and financial literacy training (wealth creation). Villages were randomized to one of four study arms: (1) violence prevention only (V-only); (2) violence prevention and education (VE); (3) VE and health (VEH); or (4) all four interventions (VEHW). We used analysis of covariance to estimate intent-to-treat impacts of each study arm with an education component, as well as a pooled study arm combining the VE, VEH, and VEHW arms, in reference to V-only, 2 years after the intervention ended, when girls were 15–18 years old. ResultsThere were small but insignificant reductions on primary outcomes in unadjusted analyses that were larger and significant in adjusted analyses. Effects were particularly large for girls not in school at baseline—the pooled study arm reduced marriage by 18.0 and pregnancy by 15.6 percentage points, a relative reduction of 34% and 43%, respectively. DiscussionThe article demonstrates the potential for multisectoral interventions with education components to delay early marriage in an impoverished, socially conservative, pastoral setting.