biostudies-literatureByansi WNIMH NIH HHSNational Institute of Mental Health1851-1866https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11659092biostudies-literatureUnknown63(4)Family functioning plays a critical role in childhood disruptive behavior disorders (The Family Journal, 2003, 11(1), 33-41; Research in Nursing and Health, 2016, 39(4), 229-243). Yet, there is limited research on the impact of evidence-based family strengthening interventions on improving family cohesion as a protective factor among children experiencing behavioral challenges. To address this gap, we analyzed data (N = 636) from the SMART Africa-Uganda study (2016-2022), a cluster randomized clinical trial testing an evidence-based family-strengthening intervention called Amaka Amasanyufu (translated as "Happy Families" in the local language). Children aged 8-13 and their caregivers were recruited from 26 public primary schools that were randomized to: (1) control condition receiving geneFamily processThe longitudinal impact of an evidence-based multiple family group intervention (Amaka Amasanyufu) on family cohesion among children in Uganda: Analysis of the cluster randomized SMART Africa-Uganda scale-up study (2016-2022).PMC11659092U19MH110001Sensoy Bahar ONamatovu PNabayinda JSsewamala FMByansi WKiyingi JMwebembezi ASmall LNakigozi GHoagwood KMcKay MMfalseThe longitudinal impact of an evidence-based multiple family group intervention (Amaka Amasanyufu) on family cohesion among children in Uganda: Analysis of the cluster randomized SMART Africa-Uganda scale-up study (2016-2022).Family functioning plays a critical role in childhood disruptive behavior disorders (The Family Journal, 2003, 11(1), 33-41; Research in Nursing and Health, 2016, 39(4), 229-243). Yet, there is limited research on the impact of evidence-based family strengthening interventions on improving family cohesion as a protective factor among children experiencing behavioral challenges. To address this gap, we analyzed data (N = 636) from the SMART Africa-Uganda study (2016-2022), a cluster randomized clinical trial testing an evidence-based family-strengthening intervention called Amaka Amasanyufu (translated as "Happy Families" in the local language). Children aged 8-13 and their caregivers were recruited from 26 public primary schools that were randomized to: (1) control condition receiving gene2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Dec2026-06-03T07:21:43.962Z2025-04-04T01:08:59.638ZS-EPMC116590923876106610.1111/famp.13007