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 .
Understanding the impact of a microfinance-based intervention on women's empowerment and the reduction of intimate partner violence in South Africa.
OBJECTIVES We sought to obtain evidence about the scope of women 's empowerment and the mechanisms underlying the significant reduction in  intimate partner violence  documented by the Intervention With Microfinance for AIDS and Gender Equity ( IMAGE ) cluster-r and omized trial in rural South Africa . METHODS The IMAGE intervention combined a microfinance program with participatory training on underst and ing HIV infection , gender norms , domestic violence , and sexuality . Outcome measures included past year 's experience of intimate partner violence and 9 indicators of women 's empowerment . Qualitative data about changes occurring within intimate relationships , loan groups , and the community were also collected . RESULTS After 2 years , the risk of past-year physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner was reduced by more than half ( adjusted risk ratio=0.45 ; 95 % confidence interval=0.23 , 0.91 ) . Improvements in all 9 indicators of empowerment were observed . Reductions in violence result ed from a range of responses enabling women to challenge the acceptability of violence , expect and receive better treatment from partners , leave abusive relationships , and raise public awareness about intimate partner violence . CONCLUSIONS Our findings , both qualitative and quantitative , indicate that economic and social empowerment of women can contribute to reductions in intimate partner violence
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 .