What the study found
The UNICEF Caring for the Caregiver intervention was associated with improvements in several caregiver outcomes across six countries. Caregivers reported higher self-efficacy and social support, and lower depression, anxiety, and parenting stress.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the intervention has potential at population level because it was positively experienced by caregivers and frontline workers and was associated with positive changes in multiple outcomes. They also say that controlled and longitudinal studies are needed.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a non-randomised pragmatic design in Bhutan, Brazil, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Zambia. They trained 198 frontline workers, recruited 822 pregnant and postnatal caregivers receiving home-visiting, and measured changes from baseline to 3-6 months later using standard scales for self-efficacy, social support, depression, anxiety, and parenting stress.
What worked and what didn't
At endline, 682 of 822 caregivers were assessed. Pooled analyses showed higher self-efficacy and social support, and lower depression, anxiety, and parenting stress; higher dose exposure was linked to greater change across outcomes. The majority of caregivers and frontline workers reported positive intervention experiences.
What to keep in mind
The study was non-randomised, so the abstract does not show a controlled comparison. The available summary also says further evidence from controlled and longitudinal studies is needed.
Key points
- The intervention was associated with higher self-efficacy and social support.
- It was also associated with lower depression, anxiety, and parenting stress.
- Higher dose exposure was linked to greater change across outcomes.
- 198 frontline workers were trained across six countries.
- 682 of 822 caregivers were assessed at 3-6 months post-baseline.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Caregiver intervention was linked to better mental health and lower stress
- Authors:
- Stephanie Redinger, Brian Houle, Boniface Kakhobwe, Caitlin Briedenhann, Pema Tshomo, Stephanie Bispo, Albert Ndagijimana, Mila Vukovic Jovanovic, Royston Wright, Gibson Nchimunya, Peter Hangoma, Alan Stein, Tamsen Rochat, Erinna C Dia, Njabulo Dayi, Luzia Laffite, Pierre Nzeyimana, Ivana Vojvodić, Jelena Brankopvic, Ivana Mihić, Hailemariam Legesse, Katherine Kay Faigao-Samonte, Chris Mweemba, Cecilia Banda, Given Daka, Zewelanji Natashya Serpell
- Institutions:
- Africa Health Research Institute, Center for Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences, Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research, Chr. Michelsen Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University, Royal University of Bhutan, United Nations Children's Fund, United Nations Children's Fund, University of Rwanda, University of Sierra Leone, University of the Witwatersrand, University of the Witwatersrand, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Zambia, University of Zambia, World Health Organization – Zambia
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-23
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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