Cluster randomized evaluation of Adolescent Girls Empowerment Programme (AGEP): study protocol

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Development Economics
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Adolescent girls in developing countries like Zambia face significant challenges transitioning to adulthood.
• Interventions during adolescence, especially for girls, yield substantial economic, social, and health benefits.
• The Adolescent Girls Empowerment Programme (AGEP) was designed to empower adolescent girls and foster positive change within their families and communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a multi-sectoral intervention on vulnerable adolescent girls in Zambia.
• To assess the effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health, financial literacy, and nutrition education.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of different program components.

Main Methods:

• A multi-sectoral intervention targeting over 10,000 girls aged 10-19 in Zambia.
• Mentor-led weekly girls' group meetings over two years, with three core curricula.
• A rigorous multi-arm randomized cluster trial with health vouchers and bank accounts offered to some participants.

Main Results:

• The program aimed to assess impacts on early marriage, first birth, contraceptive use, educational attainment, and HIV/HSV-2 acquisition.
• Evaluations were conducted immediately post-program (2015) and are planned for follow-up (2017).
• Qualitative data collection informs implementation and quantitative findings.

Conclusions:

• The AGEP program and its embedded evaluation offer valuable insights into interventions for adolescent girls in developing countries.
• Findings will inform policymakers, health professionals, donors, and other stakeholders.
• The study provides a rich data source on adolescent girls' empowerment and related outcomes.