@article{2be259a83bc142d9ab3c449853b494b7,
title = "Findings from SHAZ!: A feasibility study of a microcredit and life-skills HIV prevention intervention to reduce risk among adolescent female orphans in zimbabwe",
abstract = "This study tested the feasibility of a combined microcredit and life-skills HIV prevention intervention among 50 adolescent female orphans in urban/peri-urban Zimbabwe. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on intervention delivery, HIV knowledge and behavior, and economic indicators. The study also tested for HIV, HSV-2, and pregnancy. At 6 months, results indicated improvements in knowledge and relationship power. Because of the economic context and lack of adequate support, however, loan repayment and business success was poor. The results suggest that microcredit is not the best livelihood option to reduce risk among adolescent girls in this context.",
keywords = "Africa, Gender, HIV, HSV-2, Microcredit, Microfinance, Orphans, Poverty, Zimbabwe",
author = "Dunbar, {Megan S.} and Maternowska, {M. Catherine} and Kang, {Mi Suk J.} and Laver, {Susan M.} and Imelda Mudekunye-Mahaka and Padian, {Nancy S.}",
note = "Funding Information: The authors acknowledge Maria Vivas of the University of California, San Francisco, and Julie Roley at RTI International for research support. This project was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, R01HD 3278900951. Funding Information: The partner MFI was supported through a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to manage and secure all loans provided to SHAZ! participants. Zambuko Trust staff reviewed business plans and approved loans ranging from ZW$300,000 to ZW$500,000 (US$51 to US$87 at that time) for plans deemed viable. Because most participants did not have bank accounts, nor were they eligible to open them because they were underage and/or lacked official documentation (e.g., birth certificate or national ID), the MFI offered to keep money for participants until it was needed for purchases or investments. Interest rates were set at 30%, compared with commercial lending rates of 50% to 60%, with repayment required within 3 to 9 months. The SHAZ! program used a modified group-lending model based on the concept of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}mutual guarantee{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright} (Watts et al., 2007), which provides and organizes loan repayment through weekly group meetings to instill social pressure and support to repay. Participants repaid loans to a loan officer and were informed that future loans from the MFI would be contingent on full repayment.",
year = "2010",
month = apr,
doi = "10.1080/10852351003640849",
language = "English",
volume = "38",
pages = "147--161",
journal = "Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community",
issn = "1085-2352",
publisher = "Routledge",
number = "2",
}