Evaluation of a program to support young fathers in Uganda
Responsible Engaged and Loving (REAL) Fathers: Study Protocol for a Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial of Mentored Parenting Sessions for Young Fathers to Promote Child Development and Reduce Violence in Uganda
This study is testing a program in Uganda to see if mentoring and community support can help young fathers be more positive and engaged with their children while reducing harsh discipline and violence.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 4728 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Lira, Dokolo and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06100679 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention aims to assess the impact of the Responsible, Engaged and Loving (REAL) Fathers Initiative on young fathers in Uganda, aged 18-25, who have children aged 0-3 years. The program focuses on improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to positive parenting, father-child interactions, and reducing harsh physical punishment and intimate partner violence. It employs a 7-month mentoring program alongside a community poster campaign to promote nonviolent discipline and effective communication skills among fathers. The study utilizes a stepped-wedge cluster randomized control trial design to evaluate the effectiveness of this community-based intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young fathers aged 16-25 who are biological parents of children under 3 years and live with the child's mother or guardian.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those who are not biological fathers or do not reside with the child's mother or guardian.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve parenting practices and reduce violence within families, leading to better outcomes for children and mothers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar community-based interventions aimed at reducing violence and improving parenting practices, indicating that this approach has potential.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Young Fathers: * Living in one of the six selected regions and districts across each region * Being male aged between aged 16-25 years * Being biological father to a child(ren) who is younger than 3 years old * Living in union and in the same household with the mother or guardian of the child(ren) Inclusion Criteria for Spouses: * Living in union and in the same household as the young father
Where this trial is running
Lira, Dokolo and 3 other locations
- All Nations — Lira, Dokolo, Uganda (Recruiting)
- Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) - Uganda Chapter — Mbarara, Isingiro, Uganda (Recruiting)
- Somero Uganda — Kampala, Kayunga, Bugiri, Luweero, Uganda (Recruiting)
- Bantwana Initiatives Uganda — Kampala, Masindi, Kiryandongo and Katakwi, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kathryn M Barker, PhD, MPH — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Kathryn M Barker, PhD, MPH
- Email: k1barker@health.ucsd.edu
- Phone: 919-360-3951
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.