Abstract
Background: Loneliness in later life is often addressed with befriending interventions, yet evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Meanwhile it is known that loneliness has a deleterious impact on health. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether a befriending service for older adults mitigates the impact of loneliness on health outcomes, and to identify mechanisms through which befriending interventions might impact upon health. Methods: A mixed methods design is used. The quantitative component utilises an AB single-case experimental design, to gather intensive longitudinal data. These data will be analysed using a generalised additive modelling approach. The qualitative component of the study uses semi-structured dyadic interviews, structured and analysed according to the principles of constructivist grounded theory. Findings will then be triangulated according to an existing mixed methods integration protocol. Discussion: This mixed methods design has the potential to inform national and international policy in relation to befriending interventions for older adults. In addition, there is the potential for study results to inform our theoretical understanding of the nature of the relationship between loneliness and health. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04301167 (10th March 2020). Protocol version 1.1, 26th June 2020.
Highlights
Befriending services are often used to provide social connection to individuals who are socially isolated
The research will add to the scientific evidence base for use of befriending interventions to improve health, and will help elucidate the mechanisms through which befriending improves health
We evaluated an existing befriending service and found that it was perceived as an effective way to reduce loneliness (Hannigan et al, 2015)
Summary
Befriending services are often used to provide social connection to individuals who are socially isolated. The causal cascade model has been used to explain the impact of social engagement on health (Berkman et al, 2000) and cognitive decline (Zunzunegui et al, 2003) and could constitute a model of the relationship between befriending and brain health. In this model, social engagement confers a health benefit to individuals at a series of levels from the macro (cultural norms, urbanisation), the mezzo (social network size, reciprocity of ties) to the micro (emotional social support, intimate contact), which all influence health or cognitive functioning via behavioural (e.g. help-seeking behaviour, diet), psychological (e.g. self-esteem), and physiological (e.g. immune system function, allostatic load) pathways. Objective of qualitative component: To explore potential mechanisms by which befriending impacts health in a series of dyadic and individual semi-structured interviews with recipients of a befriending service and their partnered befrienders
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
