World Health Organisation-Caregiver Skills Training (WHO-CST) Program: Feasibility of Delivery by Non-Specialist Providers in Real-world Urban Settings in India.

PREVENTION of psychological stress; WORLD Health Organization; PILOT projects; CAREGIVER attitudes; CAREGIVERS; RESEARCH methodology; PRE-tests & post-tests; HEALTH literacy; PARENTING; RESEARCH funding; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; COMMUNICATION; INTERPERSONAL relations; HEALTH behavior; METROPOLITAN areas; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; EARLY medical intervention

The World Health Organization-Caregiver Skills Training Program, a parent-mediated early intervention facilitated by non-specialist providers piloted in urban India was evaluated using mixed-methods for feasibility and effects on child and caregiver outcomes. Caregivers (n = 22) of children (2–9 years) with social-communication delays participated in a single-group pre-post study. High rates of caregiver attendance, improved caregiver fidelity, and facilitator competency suggested program feasibility. Caregivers voiced acceptability of various intervention-components. The intervention was associated with improved caregiver-reported skills and knowledge (p < 0.00), reduction in stress (p = 0.03), improved child developmental outcomes on communication and social interaction (p < 0.00), and adaptive behaviors (p < 0.00). Challenges about logistics and availability of time were highlighted. Implications of results in resource-poor settings and recommendations for future feasibility trials are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]