A Qualitative Analysis of Spillover Effects and Diffusion Mechanisms in a Gender-Transformative Parenting Intervention in Mwanza, Tanzania Restricted; Files Only
Grewal, Arshnoor (Spring 2026)
Abstract
Background: Parenting interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving early childhood development outcomes. However, there is limited research regarding the spillover and diffusion of these interventions into communities. Spillover effects refer to when an intervention and its effects are exposed to non-participants. It would be beneficial to examine if these effects extend to non-participants and can potentially create community-level impacts. This study investigates the spillover effects of a gender-transformative parenting intervention, Familia Bora, in Mwanza, Tanzania, with a focus on diffusion of intervention information and mechanisms of diffusion.
Methods: This study analyzed 31 endline in-depth interview transcripts of mothers and fathers who participated in a pilot study of the parenting intervention with 15 interview transcripts of mothers and 16 of fathers. The intervention consisted of 15 sessions covering topics related to early childhood development and fatherhood. Qualitative framework analysis was utilized to determine key themes being diffused from the program and mechanisms of diffusion. Additional analytical matrices were developed to examine the relationship between themes of diffusion, mechanisms, gender diffusion patterns, negative reactions, and behavioral change among non-participant community members.
Results: Findings indicated the spillover effect of parenting intervention occurred with majority of participants reported sharing intervention content with non-participant community members. The most frequently diffused topics included childcare and parenting practices, gender roles in household labor, discipline, nutrition, and couple relationships. Verbal communication emerged as the primary mechanism of diffusion, followed by role modeling and exposure to program materials. Most diffusion occurred among same-sex networks, and most identified themes were shared by both mother and father participants. Fathers primarily shared information related to shifting gender roles with other male caregivers, often through role modeling, while mothers more frequently disseminated information on nutrition and relationships to female caregivers.
Discussion: This study contributes to the growing evidence of spillover effects occurring in behavioral change interventions. Findings demonstrate how social networks can be leveraged to create community-level adoption of new knowledge and practices including parenting and childcare. Due to the study influencing and presenting social norm transformation among non-participants, it highlights the broader effectiveness and potential cost-effectiveness of this multicomponent father-inclusive parenting intervention.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction. 1
Background and Rational 1
Aims 3
Hypothesis 4
Chapter 2: Literature Review.5
Previous Research Related to Spillover Effect and Diffusion. 5
Theoretical Framework for Spillover and Diffusion. 7
Gender Norms, Social Pressure, and Barriers to Behavior Change. 10
Relevance to the Proposed Study. 12
Chapter 3: Methods. 13
Study Design. 14
Data Collection. 15
Data Analysis 16
Reflexivity. 19
Table 1: Initial Matrix of Analytical Framework Used to Examine Participant Quotes 20
Chapter 4: Results. 21
Topics of Dissemination. 22
Childcare and other Parenting Activities 22
Shifting Gender Roles in Household Labor 23
Discipline. 25
Nutrition. 26
Couple Relationship. 27
Methods of Dissemination. 28
Verbal Communication. 28
Role Modeling. 30
Exposure to program materials and branding. 30
Intention to Form Groups to Diffuse Information. 31
Figure 1. Community-level spillover effects of the “Familia Bora” intervention in Tanzania. 33
Table 2. Framework Analysis Matrix of Diffusion Topics, Mechanisms, Gender Patterns, and Behavioral Outcomes 34
Chapter 5: Discussion and Implications. 36
Summary of Findings 36
Key Findings within the Literature. 37
Limitations and Strengths 41
Implications/Recommendations 42
Conclusion. 43
References. 45
About this Master's Thesis
| School | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Degree | |
| Submission | |
| Language |
|
| Research Field | |
| Keyword | |
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor |
Primary PDF
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
File download under embargo until 21 May 2028 | 2026-04-23 22:56:04 -0400 | File download under embargo until 21 May 2028 |
Supplemental Files
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|