Cash transfer programs in low- and middle-income countries improve teenage wellbeing in multiple ways, particularly school attendance and economic security, according to a 2026 scoping review of 19 studies. However, researchers found that nutrition outcomes were rarely measured, leaving a critical gap in understanding whether cash actually helps teenagers eat better and grow stronger during this crucial developmental period.
Researchers looked at 19 studies from poor and middle-income countries to see if giving cash to families helps teenagers stay healthy. According to Gram Research analysis, these cash transfer programs helped teens in several ways—they attended school more, felt safer, and had better economic security. However, the studies didn’t measure nutrition improvements very well. The research shows that while money helps families in many ways, scientists still need to study whether it actually helps teens eat better and grow stronger.
Key Statistics
A 2026 scoping review of 19 studies from low- and middle-income countries found that cash transfer programs improved school attendance, economic security, and sexual health outcomes in teenagers, though nutrition improvements were rarely measured.
According to Gram Research analysis of studies published between 2012-2025, almost all cash transfer trials were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, with eight examining conditional cash transfers and five examining unconditional cash transfers.
Research shows that cash transfer programs improved mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in teenagers across multiple studies, with families reporting reduced financial stress and increased hope about the future.
A critical finding from the 2026 review is that direct evidence on adolescent nutrition outcomes from cash transfer programs remains sparse, with most studies failing to measure whether teenagers’ diets actually improved.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether giving cash to poor families in developing countries improves the health and wellbeing of teenagers aged 10-19 years old
- Who participated: 19 research studies conducted mainly in sub-Saharan Africa between 2012-2025, examining different types of cash programs (some with conditions, some without)
- Key finding: Cash transfer programs improved school attendance, economic security, and sexual health outcomes in teenagers, but researchers rarely measured whether nutrition actually improved
- What it means for you: If you live in a low-income country, cash assistance to your family could help you stay in school and feel more secure, though the nutrition benefits need more research to confirm
The Research Details
Scientists conducted a ‘scoping review,’ which means they searched through published research to find all studies about cash transfers and teenage health in poor and middle-income countries. They looked at studies published between 2012 and 2025, finding 164 articles and carefully selecting 19 that met their criteria. These 19 studies included randomized controlled trials (where some families got cash and others didn’t) and quasi-experimental studies (which compare similar groups with different outcomes).
The researchers organized the studies by what they measured: mental health, school attendance, HIV rates, sexual behavior, violence, food security, tuberculosis treatment, nutrition status, and healthcare use. Most studies took place in sub-Saharan Africa. Some programs gave cash only if families met certain conditions (like keeping kids in school), while others gave cash without any requirements.
This approach allowed researchers to see patterns across many different studies and identify what we know and don’t know about how cash helps teenagers.
A scoping review is important because it shows the ‘big picture’ of what research exists on a topic. By looking at 19 different studies, researchers could see which health improvements happen most consistently and where big gaps in knowledge remain. This helps governments and organizations decide where to focus their efforts and what questions still need answers.
This review is reliable because researchers used a systematic process to find and select studies, meaning they didn’t just pick studies that supported one idea. However, most studies were from one region (sub-Saharan Africa), so results might not apply everywhere. Also, the original studies measured different things in different ways, making it hard to compare results directly. The biggest limitation is that very few studies actually measured nutrition outcomes, so we can’t confidently say whether cash helps teens eat better.
What the Results Show
Research shows that cash transfer programs helped teenagers in multiple important ways. School attendance and enrollment improved significantly—more teens stayed in school when their families received cash. Economic security improved, meaning families had more money for basic needs. Sexual and reproductive health outcomes improved, with fewer risky behaviors reported among teenagers in families receiving cash.
Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing also showed improvements in most studies. Teenagers in families receiving cash reported feeling safer, less anxious, and more hopeful about their futures. These improvements make sense because financial stress is a major burden on young people’s mental health.
However, the most important finding is what researchers did NOT find: almost no studies measured whether nutrition actually improved. Only a handful of studies looked at whether teenagers ate better food, gained appropriate weight, or had better nutritional status. This is a critical gap because nutrition is especially important during the teenage years when bodies are growing rapidly.
Some studies examined HIV prevention and found that cash transfers appeared to reduce risky sexual behaviors that could lead to HIV infection. Partner violence also decreased in some studies, suggesting that financial security reduces stress-related conflict. A few studies looked at tuberculosis treatment completion and found that cash helped people finish their medications. Healthcare utilization increased, meaning families with cash were more likely to visit clinics and hospitals when needed.
Earlier research showed that cash transfers work well for young children’s nutrition and health in poor countries. This review found that the benefits continue into the teenage years, but in different ways. While cash clearly helps with schooling and economic security (which are foundational for health), the direct nutrition benefits seen in younger children weren’t consistently measured in teenagers. This suggests that the mechanisms of how cash helps change as children grow older.
The biggest limitation is that nutrition outcomes were rarely measured, so we can’t confidently say whether cash actually improves teenage nutrition. Most studies came from sub-Saharan Africa, so results may not apply to other regions like South Asia or Latin America. Different studies measured different outcomes in different ways, making it hard to combine results. Some studies had small sample sizes or short follow-up periods, so long-term effects remain unknown. Finally, some studies gave cash with conditions (like attending school) while others gave it without conditions, and it’s unclear which approach works better for nutrition specifically.
The Bottom Line
Based on strong evidence: Governments in low- and middle-income countries should continue and expand cash transfer programs because they clearly improve school attendance, economic security, and sexual health outcomes. Based on moderate evidence: Programs should be designed to support nutrition specifically, not just general poverty relief. Based on weak evidence: Programs should measure nutrition outcomes consistently so we can learn whether cash actually improves what teenagers eat and their nutritional status.
Policymakers and health officials in low- and middle-income countries should care most about these findings. Families living in poverty should know that cash assistance can help their teenagers in multiple ways. International organizations funding health programs should prioritize nutrition-focused cash transfers. Teenagers themselves should understand that economic support can improve their overall wellbeing. This research is less relevant for wealthy countries where poverty is less widespread.
School attendance improvements appeared within months of cash transfers starting. Economic security and mental health improvements were visible within 6-12 months. Sexual behavior changes took longer, typically 1-2 years. Nutrition improvements, if they occur, would likely take 6-12 months to become measurable, though this wasn’t well-studied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cash transfers actually help poor teenagers eat better food?
Research shows cash transfers improve school attendance and economic security, but studies rarely measured whether nutrition actually improved. This is a major gap—we know cash helps families financially, but we need more research to confirm it translates to better eating.
What health improvements do teenagers see from cash transfer programs?
According to a 2026 review of 19 studies, teenagers in families receiving cash showed improved school attendance, better economic security, reduced risky sexual behaviors, and better mental health. However, direct nutrition improvements weren’t consistently measured.
Are cash transfers better if they have conditions attached?
The review examined both conditional cash (requiring families to keep kids in school) and unconditional cash (no requirements). Both showed benefits for schooling and economic security, but the research didn’t clearly show which approach works better for nutrition specifically.
How long does it take to see health improvements from cash transfers?
School attendance improvements appeared within months, while economic security and mental health benefits emerged within 6-12 months. Sexual behavior changes took 1-2 years. Nutrition improvements, if they occur, would likely take 6-12 months but weren’t well-studied.
Do cash transfer programs work the same way for teenagers as they do for young children?
Earlier research showed strong nutrition benefits for young children receiving cash transfers. This review found that teenage benefits focus more on schooling, economic security, and mental health, suggesting the mechanisms change as children grow older.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly food variety: Record the number of different food groups consumed each day (grains, proteins, vegetables, fruits, dairy). Aim to increase from current baseline to 5+ food groups daily. This directly measures nutrition quality that cash transfers should support.
- If your family receives cash assistance, use the app to plan weekly meals that include diverse foods. Set reminders to purchase nutritious foods at markets, and log what your family actually eats. Share meal photos with family members to encourage healthy eating habits together.
- Monthly nutrition check-ins: Every 30 days, review food variety trends and compare to previous months. Track body weight and height (especially important during teenage years) to see if nutrition is improving. Share data with a healthcare provider to ensure cash is translating into actual nutritional gains.
This review summarizes research on cash transfer programs and teenage health in low- and middle-income countries. The findings should not replace professional medical advice, nutritional counseling, or guidance from local health authorities. While cash transfers show promise for improving multiple aspects of teenage wellbeing, nutrition outcomes were rarely measured in the studies reviewed. Families and policymakers should consult with healthcare providers and nutrition specialists to determine the best approaches for their specific situations. This research primarily reflects evidence from sub-Saharan Africa and may not apply equally to all regions or populations.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.