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 .
Can social capital be intentionally generated? a randomized trial from rural South Africa.
While much descriptive research has documented positive associations between social capital and a range of economic , social and health outcomes , there have been few intervention studies to assess whether social capital can be intentionally generated . We conducted an intervention in rural South Africa that combined group-based microfinance with participatory gender and HIV training in an attempt to catalyze changes in solidarity , reciprocity and social group membership as a means to reduce women 's vulnerability to intimate partner violence and HIV . A cluster r and omized trial was used to assess intervention effects among eight study villages . In this paper , we examined effects on structural and cognitive social capital among 845 participants and age and wealth matched women from households in comparison villages . This was supported by a diverse portfolio of qualitative research . After two years , adjusted effect estimates indicated higher levels of structural and cognitive social capital in the intervention group than the comparison group , although confidence intervals were wide . Qualitative research illustrated the ways in which economic and social gains enhanced participation in social groups , and the positive and negative dynamics that emerged within the program . There were numerous instances where individuals and village loan centres worked to address community concerns , both working through existing social networks , and through the establishment of new partnerships with local leadership structures , police , the health sector and NGOs . This is among the first experimental trials suggesting that social capital can be exogenously strengthened . The implication s for community interventions in public health are further explored
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 .