Collective efficacy measures for women and girls in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Prior research has shown collective efficacy to be a key determinant of women’s well-being. However, much of the work around measuring this construct has been done in high-income geographies, with very little representation from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). To fill this gap, and guide future research in low resource settings, we aim to summarize best evidence measures of collective efficacy for women and girls from LMICs. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched five databases for English language peer-reviewed literature on measures of collective efficacy, published between 1 January 2009 and 25 August 2020. In addition, we sought expert input for relevant papers in this area. Research staff screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles in a double-blind review. Inclusion criteria were: (i) original quantitative analysis, and (ii) sample limited to women/girls only (≥ 100), residing in LMICs. Results We identified 786 unique articles, 14 of which met inclusion criteria. Eligible studies captured a diversity of population groups, including pregnant women, recent mothers, adolescent girls, and female sex workers, from across national settings. Two broad constructs of collective efficacy were captured by the measures: (i) group dynamics, and (ii) collective action. All 14 studies included items on group dynamics in their measures, whereas seven studies included items on collective action. Four studies validated new measures of collective efficacy, and seven provided evidence supporting the relationship between collective efficacy and outcomes related to women’s well-being. Overall, measures demonstrated good reliability and validity when tested, and those testing for associations or effects found a positive relationship of collective efficacy with women’s health behaviors. Conclusion The past decade has resulted in a number of new collective efficacy measures demonstrating good validity in terms of their associations with key health outcomes among women and girls from across LMIC settings, but there remains no standard measure in the field. Those that exist focus on group dynamics, but less often on collective action. A standard measure of collective efficacy inclusive of group dynamics and collective action can support better understanding of the value of women’s collectives across national settings and populations.

A Systematic Review of Collective Efficacy for Supporting Adaptation-Related Responses to Climate Hazards

“…This is commonplace, supporting the claim that CE is a measurable construct [48]. With reference to CE scales, it appears that no single CE scale is applicable in all cases, because CE is contextspecific rather than global, and efficacy is present relative to a particular activity [49]. That is, CE cannot be divorced from situational demands and circumstances.…”

“…This raises the question of whether the CE measure actually measures CE and not something else. Given CE's socially and culturally distinctive nature [49], cultural adaptation of CE tools is critical but appears overlooked, and this limits the analysis. Moreover, scholars have measured CE as a stable construct, yet CE fluctuates based on group members' updated appraisals [49].…”

“…Given CE's socially and culturally distinctive nature [49], cultural adaptation of CE tools is critical but appears overlooked, and this limits the analysis. Moreover, scholars have measured CE as a stable construct, yet CE fluctuates based on group members' updated appraisals [49]. Updating refers to the process of reassessing one's sense of efficacy based on new information [18].…”

Psychometric Properties of the Perceived Collective Family Efficacy Scale in Algeria

“…The dynamic characteristics of a group can encompass social support, solidarity, communication, collective participation, dialogue, trust, decision-making and sharing, group belongingness, and common goals. The willingness and ability to intervene for the benefit of the group depend on the level of solidarity, participation, and mutual trust among group members [20,21]. Beliefs about collective family efficacy reflect the judgments made by family members regarding the collective ability of the family as a whole to function as a complete system in accomplishing necessary tasks for the functioning of the family.…”