Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42328035›Full record

ArticleThe Pan African medical journal2026

Perceived benefits of implementing a caregiver-led training programme for caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in rural Mangochi, Malawi: a qualitative exploration.

Takondwa Connis Bakuwa, Gillian Saloojee, Wiedaad Slemming

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in The Pan African medical journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Takondwa Connis BakuwaDepartment of Rehabilitation Sciences, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
Gillian SaloojeeDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Wiedaad SlemmingDepartment of Paediatrics and Child Health, Division of Community Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Funding

Wellcome Trust
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: caregiver-led training programmes aim to address gaps in rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in rural Malawi. This qualitative study explored the benefits of implementing such a programme in a rural setting in Malawi. Methods: a qualitative study was conducted in August 2023, involving in-depth interviews with 11 caregivers, four expert caregivers, and two physiotherapists who participated in the Malamulele Onward Carer-2-Carer Training Programme. Data were analyzed thematically using four constructs of the RE-AIM framework: reach, effectiveness, adoption, and maintenance. Results: caregivers reported improved knowledge of CP, enhanced caregiving skills, and positive shifts in attitudes, contributing to better well-being for themselves and their children. The programme fostered family engagement, dispelled myths about CP, and increased community awareness. Notably, caregivers trained by fellow caregivers described a stronger sense of empowerment, increased confidence in their caregiving abilities, and greater willingness to share knowledge within their communities. Physiotherapists observed that caregiver-led facilitation encouraged peer support and collective problem-solving. Additionally, physiotherapists gained confidence in managing CP and experienced reduced workloads as caregivers took on more responsibilities. Potential for maintenance of caregiving practices and community engagement was evident; however, long-term sustainability and scalability will require structured policy-level support. Conclusion: this qualitative study demonstrates caregivers´ and physiotherapists´ perceived improvements in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and well-being, alongside enhanced social inclusion and reduced stigma associated with participation in the caregiver-led training programme. These findings suggest that caregiver-led approaches may hold potential for scalability and sustainability in low-resource settings, offering an accessible strategy for addressing rehabilitation gaps.

Indexed as

CaregiversCerebral PalsyHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeAdultChildFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMalawiMaleMiddle AgedPhysical TherapistsQualitative ResearchRural PopulationCaregiver-led trainingcerebral palsycommunity-basedimplementationperceived benefits

Identifiers

PMID42328035
PMCPMC13281719

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.