Is microfinance associated with changes in women's well-being and children's nutrition? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microfinance is the provision of savings and small loans services, with no physical collateral. Most recipients are disadvantaged women. The social and health impacts of microfinance have not been comprehensively evaluated.

Objective

To explore the impact of microfinance on contraceptive use, female empowerment and children's nutrition in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Design

We conducted a systematic search of published and grey literature (1990-2018), with no language restrictions. We conducted meta-analysis, where possible, to calculate pooled ORs. Where studies could not be combined, we described these qualitatively.

Data sources

EMBASE, MEDLINE, LILACS, CENTRAL and ECONLIT were searched (1990-June 2018).

E

SUBMITTER: Gichuru W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6352765 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature