Results Most interventions combined microfinance with health education , which demonstrated positive effects on health knowledge and behaviours , though not health status .
Interventions combining multiple health components in a given study demonstrated positive effects , though it was unclear which component was driving the effect .
Discussion Integrated microfinance and health education programs were effective , though longer intervention periods are necessary to measure more complex pathways to health status .
The effect of microfinance combined with other health components was less clear .
Background Solutions delivered within firm sectoral boundaries are inadequate in achieving income security and better health for poor population s.  Integrated microfinance and health interventions leverage networks of women to promote financial inclusion , build livelihoods , and safeguard against high cost illnesses .
Our underst and ing of the effect of integrated interventions has been limited by variability in intervention , outcome , design , and method ological rigour .
This systematic review synthesis es the literature through 2015 to underst and the effect of  integrated microfinance and health programs .
Formative Research in School and Community-Based Health Programs and Studies: “State of the Art” and the TAAG Approach
Formative research uses qualitative and quantitative methods to provide information for research ers to plan intervention programs . Gaps in the formative research literature include how to define goals , implementation plans , and research questions ; select methods ; analyze data ; and develop interventions . The National Heart , Lung , and Blood Institute funded the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls ( TAAG ) , a r and omized , multicenter field trial , to reduce the decline in physical activity in adolescent girls . The goals of the TAAG formative research are to ( a ) describe study communities and schools , ( b ) help design the trial ’s interventions , ( c ) develop effective recruitment and retention strategies , and ( d ) design evaluation instruments . To meet these goals , a variety of methods , including telephone interviews , surveys and checklists , semistructured interviews , and focus group discussion s , are employed . The purpose , method of development , and analyses are explained for each method
Results Most interventions combined microfinance with health education , which demonstrated positive effects on health knowledge and behaviours , though not health status .
Interventions combining multiple health components in a given study demonstrated positive effects , though it was unclear which component was driving the effect .
Discussion Integrated microfinance and health education programs were effective , though longer intervention periods are necessary to measure more complex pathways to health status .
The effect of microfinance combined with other health components was less clear .
Background Solutions delivered within firm sectoral boundaries are inadequate in achieving income security and better health for poor population s.  Integrated microfinance and health interventions leverage networks of women to promote financial inclusion , build livelihoods , and safeguard against high cost illnesses .
Our underst and ing of the effect of integrated interventions has been limited by variability in intervention , outcome , design , and method ological rigour .
This systematic review synthesis es the literature through 2015 to underst and the effect of  integrated microfinance and health programs .