Transportability of an Evidence-Based Early Childhood Intervention in a Low-Income African Country: Results of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Study
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Prevention Science
Abstract
Children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are burdened
by significant unmet mental health needs. Despite the successes
of numerous school-based interventions for promoting child
mental health, most evidence-based interventions (EBIs) are
not available in SSA. This study investigated the implementation
quality and effectiveness of one component of an EBI from
a developed country (USA) in a SSA country (Uganda). The
EBI component, Professional Development, was provided by
trained Ugandan mental health professionals to Ugandan primary
school teachers. It included large-group experiential training
and small-group coaching to introduce and support a range
of evidence-based practices (EBPs) to create nurturing and predictable
classroom experiences. The study was guided by the
Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the
Teacher Training Implementation Model, and the RE-AIM
evaluation framework. Effectiveness outcomes were studied
using a cluster randomized design, in which 10 schools were
randomized to intervention and wait-list control conditions. A
total of 79 early childhood teachers participated. Teacher
knowledge and the use of EBPs were assessed at baseline and
immediately post-intervention (4–5 months later). A sample of
154 parents was randomly selected to report on child behavior
at baseline and post-intervention. Linear mixed effect modeling
was applied to examine effectiveness outcomes. Findings support
the feasibility of training Ugandan mental health professionals
to provide Professional Development for Ugandan
teachers. Professional Development was delivered with high
levels of fidelity and resulted in improved teacher EBP knowl-
Description
Keywords
Mental health, Implementation, Sub-Saharan Africa, Low-income country, Consolidated framework for implementation research, RE-AIM
Citation
Huang, K. Y., Nakigudde, J., Rhule, D., Gumikiriza-Onoria, J. L., Abura, G., Kolawole, B., ... & Brotman, L. M. (2017). Transportability of an evidence-based early childhood intervention in a low-income African country: results of a cluster randomized controlled study. Prevention Science, 18(8), 964-975. DOI 10.1007/s11121-017-0822-0