Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker-Driven Intervention in Improving the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children With Disability in Rural Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Purpose To assess the effectiveness of a community-health-worker (CHW)-driven intervention in improving the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of children with disability in rural Karnataka, India. Methodology A community-based quasi-experimental study with cluster randomization on the village level was done. CHWs provided structured health education and training for the intervention arm. Pre- and post-intervention, the QOL and Zarit burden scores were compared between and within the two arms. Results From baseline, the physical domain score improved from 49.66 to 53.88 (p < 0.001). The Zarit burden scores decreased from 33.27 to 28.89 (p < 0.001). On comparing the post-test QOL scores between the two arms, the physical domain scores increased from 51.68 to 56.08 (p = 0.025). The Zarit burden scores also significantly decreased from 31.50 to 26.28. Conclusion The intervention by the CHWs on the caregivers has significant improvements in the physical domain of QOL and a reduction in caregiver burden.