CHERISH ( Couples HEalth Research and Intervention Studies )
CHERISH develops couples-focused behaviour change strategies for health intervention research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Couples often share the same social and physical environments, adopting similar health behaviours that can adversely impact upon their quality of life. But living a shared life can be the foundation upon which to build a mutually supportive environment that can help couples make the positive changes that lead to better health.
The initial aim of CHERISH was to contribute to the design and evaluation of interventions for couples affected by HIV, other STIs and, diabetes in South Africa. The proposed research is a partnership between the University of Southampton and two South African institutions: Human Sciences Research Council and University of Cape Town. The research has three strands:
- adapting an existing intervention to substantially enhance promotion of couples HIV testing and counselling among couples who have never tested together for HIV or mutually disclosed their status
- developing a couples-focused intervention for couples where one partner has diabetes
- establishing a research agenda in couples-focused health research in SSA
Longer term, we aim to use our expertise to address ever-changing global health needs through couples-focused behaviour change strategies for health intervention research and practice.
Igugu Lethu
In 2019-20, the ‘Igugu Lethu’ HIV testing project was evaluated using process interviews and modified using the Person-Based Approach. In 2021, the project began running a trial to evaluate the changes, to see if more couples can be encouraged to self-test for HIV together.
CHERISH Diabetes
In 2020-21, we have begun developing the CHERISH Diabetes intervention, using the Person-Based Approach. Even though the pandemic has limited our ability to spend time with community members, our project team has forged valiantly forward and will complete the intervention development by the end of the year.
