Pilot Feasibility Trial of the Family Strengthening Intervention in Rwanda (FSI-R)

The research will examine the following Specific Aims: Specific Aim 1: To adapt a U.S.-developed family-focused and strengths-based prevention program to the context of HIV/AIDS-affected families in Rwanda (the Family-Strengthening Intervention in Rwanda or "FSI-R") using prior qualitative findings and CAB input. Specific Aim 2: To deliver the intervention to a small group of families to collect preliminary data on intervention feasibility, acceptability, and to further refine the intervention manual for the FSI-R. Specific Aim 3: To conduct a pilot feasibility study of the FSI-R with 80 families. In pursuit of Specific Aim 3, this research will (a) conduct a preliminary exploratory analysis to examine the extent to which the FSI-R for HIV/AIDS-affected families is associated with improved caregiver-child relationships using measures of family connectedness, good parenting, and social support. Hypothesis 1: Participants in the FSI-R will demonstrate increases in protective processes compared to usual care controls not exposed to the FSI-R. It will also (b) conduct a preliminary exploratory analysis to determine the extent to which improved caregiver-child relationships are sustained four months after the conclusion of the FSI-R. Hypothesis 2: Four months after the conclusion of the intervention, participants in the FSI-R will demonstrate increases in protective processes compared to usual care controls not exposed to the FSI-R.