The impact of cash incentives on mental health among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy in Tanzania.

ABSTRACT: Mental illness is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and hinders engagement in HIV care. While financial incentives are effective at improving mental health and retention in care, the specific effect of such incentives on the mental health of PLHIV lacks quantifiable evidence. We evaluated the impact of a three-arm randomized controlled trial of a financial incentive program on the mental health of adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiates in Tanzania. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 into one of two cash incentive (combined; provided monthly conditional on clinic attendance) or the control arm. We measured the prevalence of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety via a difference-in-differences model which quantifies changes in the outcomes by arm over time. Baseline

SUBMITTER: Sheira LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10721724 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature