Impacts of Cash Transfers on Child Neurodevelopment (Auxilio Brasil)

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Inflammation, HPA, CBCL, Family Relations

In brief

This study examines the impact of Auxilio Brasil (AB), a cash transfer program to mothers of school-age children, on resource-deprived populations in Brazil and its protective effects on child neurodevelopment and mental health. The investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial (RCT) among those already receiving AB in which 300 families will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a high ($40/month) or low ($2/month) supplemental transfer for 2 years. Three hundred children (index child participants; 7-10 years old) will be enrolled across both study arms. Additionally, up to 150 siblings ("sibling participants;" 7-10 years old) will be enrolled. Eligible families who decide to participate will sign a study-specific informed consent (mother) and assent (child) form. The UNIFESP team will conduct the respective assessments at baseline, approximately 8- and 16- months, 24-months and approximately 6-months post-RCT. Aim 1: Determine the impact of high vs low cash transfers on children's exposure to adversities (ACEs) and neurodevelopment. Aim 2: Determine the impact of cash transfers on children's inflammatory markers and HPA activity/cortisol. Exploratory Aim: The investigators will explore (i) whether sex/gender of the children moderates the pathways in the above mediation model; and (ii) whether cash transfer-related effects persist 6 months post-RCT.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT05477901

Run by

New York State Psychiatric Institute

People needed

450

Starts

2025-05-28

Expected to finish

2029-01-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-04-23

Who can join

Age: 23 and older, up to 45. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 23-45 years old
• Receiving AB cash transfers
• Has at least two or more children ages 7- 10 years old at time of recruitment (up to 4 children per family)
• Able to consent

You may not qualify if…

• Mother and child do not reside in same household
• Child:
• Inclusion Criterion
• Age 7-10 years old
• Intellectual Disability
• Exclusion Criterion
• Does not reside in same household as the mother
• Major Axis I disorder (e.g., Autism, Schizophrenia, Bipolar)
• Severe Disability
• MRI contradictions (index child only)

Where it is running

• UNIFESP — São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (enrolling)
• New York State Psychiatric Institute — New York, New York, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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