A child development fund program, emotional development, and poverty reduction

Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K.-m., Yu, L., Ho, F. K., Yan, E. and Ip, P. (2021) A child development fund program, emotional development, and poverty reduction. Pediatrics, 147(1), e2020007534. (doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-007534) (PMID:33310908)

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We aim to examine the effects of the Child Development Fund (CDF) program on the long-term psychological, health, social, and financial development of children in poverty. METHODS: The current study was a 4-year follow-up survey study (the follow-up study) of a nonrandomized controlled trial (the first study), conducted in 2019 and 2015, respectively, in Hong Kong. Subjects were 902 young adults who were from families living in poverty and receiving financial assistance from the government and who had completed the first study. Approximately 61% of the subjects (N = 546) completed the current follow-up study. RESULTS: Of the 546 subjects (46% male), 335 (61%; CDF participants) completed the CDF program between 2011 and 2015, and 211 (39%; CDF nonparticipants) were matched controls in the first study. The mean age was 20.64 years (SD = 2.72). After adjustments of covariates, the CDF participants reported fewer behavioral problems, higher levels of study motivation, higher levels of hope, and more positive attitudes toward their future education. The CDF participants also perceived greater social support from significant others and reported greater amounts of money saved every month. After further adjustments, CDF participants showed greater improvements in health-related quality of life related to emotional functioning. A considerable number of families of the CDF participants who were working for a living were no longer reliant on financial assistance from the government. CONCLUSIONS: The positive effects of the CDF program on children in poverty could be sustained throughout adolescence to young adulthood. Findings warrant the promotion of the program to reach more children.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ho, Dr Frederick
Authors: Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K.-m., Yu, L., Ho, F. K., Yan, E., and Ip, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:Pediatrics
Publisher:American Academy of Pediatrics
ISSN:0031-4005
ISSN (Online):1098-4275
Published Online:11 December 2020

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