Evaluation of a disability-inclusive ultra-poor graduation programme in Bangladesh
This study in Bangladesh is looking at a special program designed to help people with disabilities and their families move out of extreme poverty. The program is called the Disability-Inclusive Ultra-Poor Graduation (DIUPG) program. It provides support like giving money to start small businesses, as well as offering medical help and counselling. This study wants to see how well this program works in Bangladesh, following good results from a similar project in Uganda. Researchers will compare families who are part of the program with those in other areas who are not, by asking them questions about their lives before and after the program takes place. The aim is to understand if this program can really improve the living standards and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking at a special program in Bangladesh designed to help people with disabilities and their families overcome extreme poverty. It's called the Disability-Inclusive Ultra-Poor Graduation (DIUPG) program. The program is built on an existing successful model that helps very poor families, but it adds extra support specifically for people with disabilities, such as rehabilitation services or counselling.
Imagine a world where it's tough to get by, especially if you have a disability. This program tries to make things better by giving families tools to build a more stable life, like providing money to start a small business. After a similar program showed positive results in Uganda, this study aims to find out if it can have the same positive impact on families in Bangladesh. They want to see if it helps improve their lives, their income, and their overall wellbeing.
Researchers will be carefully comparing two groups of families: those who take part in the DIUPG program and those who live in similar areas but don't receive the program's support. By comparing these groups, they can understand if the program genuinely makes a difference, helping to bring people out of extreme poverty and improving their social lives.
Key takeaways
- The study helps people with disabilities in Bangladesh who are living in extreme poverty.
- It tests a program giving support like business help and medical care.
- Participants will answer questions about their lives before and after the program.
- The study compares families in the program with those not in it.
- There are no direct personal benefits or risks for study participants.
- The study is funded by the UK government via the International Centre for Evidence in Disability.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, families need to meet certain conditions. Firstly, their household income must be very low, specifically less than about £17 every month per person (based on the original currency conversion).
Secondly, the household must include at least one adult aged between 18 and 62 years old. And very importantly, the household needs to have at least one person with a disability who is between 1 and 62 years old.
If a family has any existing institutional loans, they won't be able to take part. The study is open to families with both male and female members, and the age range for the person with a disability is quite broad, from one year old up to 62 years old.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Does your household have a very low income (less than about £17 per person per month)?
- Is there at least one adult in your household aged between 18 and 62 years?
- Is there at least one person with a disability in your household aged between 1 and 62 years?
- Does your household currently have any institutional loans?
What does participation involve?
If you and your family are part of this study, you won't be given any medication, and you won't need to visit a clinic. Instead, the research team will ask you some questions about your household and your living standards. They will do this by visiting you in your community.
You'll answer these questions twice: once before the DIUPG program starts in your area, and then again after the program has finished. This will help the researchers understand if there have been any changes in your life. You'll be part of the study for the full duration of the program, which began in May 2023 and will involve follow-up questions around July/August 2025.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineApproximateLondon, England
- James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC UniversityCity onlyDhaka, Bangladesh
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to see if a special program can help people with disabilities in Bangladesh escape extreme poverty.
Will I get any money for being in the study?
No, there are no cash payments or direct financial benefits for participating in this study.
What does a 'household member with a disability' mean?
This refers to a person in the household with a disability aged between 1 and 62 years old.
How long will I be involved if my family participates?
The study started in May 2023, and the final questions are expected around July-August 2025. You would be involved for that period.
Who is running this study?
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK, working with BRAC Institute in Bangladesh.
How to find out more
Mark Carew
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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