Impact of a family-centred early intervention programme in South India on children with developmental delays

Background This study evaluated the impact on caregiver strain and family empowerment among caregivers of children with disabilities who received training and education as part of a family-centred community-based early intervention programme in South India. Methods This prospective open cohort longitudinal study compared change from baseline to two years post-intervention among caregivers of the first cohort of children who were enrolled in the programme. Paired t-tests determined effect on the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) and Family Empowerment Scale (FES), and p-values were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the False Discovery Rate approach. Results Of the 308 caregivers (91% women), 44% provided care to children with cerebral palsy and 56% to children with other developmental delays. The mean age of the children at baseline was 3.3 (+/- 1.5 years). The overall mean change from baseline in the FES was 4.1 (95% CI: 3.3, 4.9; p < 0.001) representing improved empowerment. The mean change for the MCSI score was -3.7 (95% CI: -4.5, -2.9; p < 0.001) representing reduced caregiver strain. Conclusions A family-centred early intervention programme that provides training and education to caregivers of children with developmental delays demonstrated positive change in caregiver strain and family empowerment.