Peer-based Interventions Research Articles

Social influence in adolescence as a double-edged sword.

Social learning is fundamental to human development, helping individuals adapt to changing circumstances and cooperate in groups. During the formative years of adolescence, the social environment shapes people's socio-cognitive skills needed in adulthood. Although peer influence among adolescents is traditionally associated with risky and unruly conduct, with long-term negative effects on educational, economic and health outcomes, recent findings suggest that peers may also have a positive impact. Here, we present a series of experiments with 10–20-year-olds (n = 146) showing that positive and negative peer effects reflect a domain-general factor of social information use which declines during adolescence. Exposure to disobedient peers provoked rule breaking, and selfish peers reduced prosocial behaviour, particularly in early adolescence. However, compliant peers also promoted rule compliance and fair peers increased prosociality. A belief formation task further revealed that younger adolescents tend to assimilate social information, while older adolescents prioritize personal views. Our results highlight early adolescence as a key window for peer-based interventions to improve developmental trajectories.

Near-Peer Facilitation of a Soft Skills Program for Young Adults With Autism.

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience poor employment outcomes. Teaching soft skills and using peer-based interventions improve outcomes for people with ASD. To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a soft skills intervention and the feasibility of delivery to a group of young adults with ASD by near-peer occupational therapy master's-level students. Pretest-posttest single-group design. College campus. Convenience sample of 14 young adults (M age = 21.57 yr) with ASD. The Assistive Soft Skills and Employment Training (ASSET) program is a 12-session, manualized, soft skills group intervention previously validated with the ASD population. Topics include communication, attitude and enthusiasm, teamwork, networking, professionalism, and stress management. Social functioning, self-efficacy, and adaptive behavior were measured preintervention and immediately postintervention using standardized self-report rating scales. Participant satisfaction and experience were assessed using program-specific measures. Participants made statistically significant improvements, with medium to large effect sizes in social functioning, self-efficacy, and adaptive behavior. They reported high levels of satisfaction and a positive experience with the program content and delivery. This study provides evidence of participant satisfaction and perceived soft skills improvement and confidence, in addition to the preliminary efficacy of master's-level students as near-peer facilitators of the ASSET program with an ASD population. What This Article Adds: The results suggest that trained and supervised master's-level students can effectively deliver a manualized intervention as near-peer facilitators, elicit positive feedback and high levels of participant satisfaction, and replicate and extend previously reported participant gains.

Peer-Based Intervention for Socioemotional Concerns Among Children with ADHD.

This study examined the potential benefits of peer-based dyadic interventions for improving the socioemotional functioning of children with ADHD. Participants included children ages 8-12 diagnosed with ADHD-combined type (n = 34) pooled from a larger randomized study comparing peer-based dyadic interventions. Self-concept and depressive symptoms were evaluated at pre- and post-treatment using single group design. Results showed significantly positive child responses to intervention for self-concept. Further, improvements in self-concept were not moderated by the type of dyadic intervention received or by treatment related changes in externalizing behaviors. The severity of reported depressive symptoms, however, did not significantly change. This suggests therapeutic interaction with peers, as demonstrated in peer-based dyadic intervention models, can improve self-concept in children with ADHD even when socioemotional concerns are not a primary target of treatment and independent of behavioral outcomes achieved. These preliminary findings support promoting prosocial peer behavior as a critical domain for ADHD intervention for children.

More than memory: A qualitative analysis of carer-reported psychosocial benefits of Memory Cafés.

Memory Cafés are a psychosocial intervention that aims to provide socialisation and interpersonal support for those living with dementia and their carers. This study explores the Memory Café model and determines the impact of the peer-to-peer Memory Café model on the psychosocial well-being of those living with dementia and their carers. Participants were informal carers of those living with dementia, recruited from four Memory Café's located in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia. Demographic information was collected from participants. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were transcribed and analysed thematically. The benefits of participation are described under four themes; sharing experiences and reduction of stigma, a place to feel joy and be yourself, a time to socialise and build friendships and improvements in life outside the Memory Café. The positive attributes of the Memory Cafés that contributed to the benefits were also identified. Concerns about Memory Cafés were limited to it becoming a carers-only group. Memory Cafés contribute significantly to the psychosocial well-being of carers of those living with dementia and provide a positive outlet for carers to build social networks and become active in their community. The effect on the psychosocial well-being of those living with dementia may be more limited but is still described positively. SO WHAT?: Dementia is a condition with significant impacts on carers and families. Successful peer-based social interventions such as Memory Cafés can lead to further development of dementia-friendly communities aimed at providing joy as well as support.

Providing peer navigation services to women with a history of opioid misuse pre- and post-release from jail: A program description.

Justice system-involved women with opioid use disorder (OUD) experience layered health risks and stigma, yet peer navigation services during reentry may support positive outcomes. This manuscript offers a program description of a women's peer navigation intervention delivered pre- and post-release from jail to remove barriers to women's access to OUD treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). All data were collected as part of a NIH/NIDA-funded national cooperative, the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) project. Through the larger study's intervention, women in jail with OUD are connected via videoconference to a peer navigator, who provides an initial reentry recovery assessment and 12+ weeks of recovery support sessions post-release. Qualitative analyses examined peers' notes from initial sessions with women (N = 50) and in-depth interviews with peers (N = 3). Peers' notes from initial sessions suggest that women anticipate challenges to successful recovery and community reentry. More than half of women (51.9%) chose OUD treatment as their primary goal, while others selected more basic needs (e.g. housing, transportation). In qualitative interviews, peers described women's transitions to the community as unpredictable, creating difficulties for reentry planning, particularly for rural women. Peers also described challenges with stigma against MOUD and establishing relationships via telehealth, but ultimately believed their role was valuable in providing resource referrals, support, and hope for recovery. For women with OUD, peer navigation can offer critical linkages to services at release from jail, in addition to hope, encouragement, and solidarity. Findings provide important insights for future peer-based interventions.

Social networks moderate the association between physical fitness and cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults: a population-based study

BackgroundPhysical fitness declines with age. Low levels of physical fitness appear to be a risk factor of cognitive impairment. Literature elucidates social networking as a potential moderator for the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive impairment. Present study aimed to examine the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function among community-dwelling older Malaysians, and if social network moderates said relationship.MethodsData of 2322 representative community-dwelling older adults were obtained from the first wave of the “Longitudinal Study on Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity” national survey. Cognitive function, physical fitness and social network was assessed through Malay-version of Mini-Mental State Examination, 2-min step test and Lubben Social Network Scale-6 respectively. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression was employed to investigate if social networks moderate the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function.ResultsA positive association between physical fitness and cognitive function were found upon controlling for covariates. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression revealed social networks to be a moderator of the association between physical fitness and cognitive function. When physical fitness was low, those with small social network revealed lowest cognitive function.ConclusionsSocial networks moderated the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function as older adults with low levels of physical fitness and small social networks revealed lowest cognitive function. Therefore, community support or peer-based interventions among physically unfit older adults should be implemented to promote cognitive function.

Promoting Junior School Students’ Anti-bullying Beliefs with the CATZ Cross-age Teaching Zone Intervention

In tackling the widespread problem of bullying victimisation, researchers have acknowledged the value of focusing on changing bullying-related beliefs and using peer-based interventions. In three studies (N = 419, 237 intervention and 182 controls), we tested the effectiveness of the CATZ cross-age teaching programme by inviting small groups of 11-year-olds to incorporate information supporting positive beliefs (concerning non-physical forms of bullying, the value of disclosing being bullied to adults, and helping victims) into a lesson they devised for themselves and to deliver that to small groups of 9-year-olds. Specifically, we examined if the intervention would promote that (i) non-physical forms of bullying are unacceptable (study 1), (ii) disclosing bullying to adults and getting the right kind of help have value and importance (study 2), and (iii) victims can be assisted in safe ways (study 3). Self-reports of nine specific aspects of these beliefs were collected from CATZ tutors and age-matched controls prior to and following the intervention, and at five-week follow-up in one study, using both open and closed questions. Results indicated significant positive effects of CATZ on all nine outcome variables, with mostly medium and high effect sizes. These findings support the use of CATZ to foster positive anti-bullying beliefs, and issues related to its wider uptake are discussed.

Connecting breast cancer survivors for exercise: protocol for a two-arm randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPeer-based exercise interventions that cultivate new opportunities for support with a fellow cancer survivor may result in increased exercise volume. It is not clear whether adding qualified exercise professional (QEP) support to peer-based interventions improves health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether breast cancer survivor (BCS) dyads who receive 10 weekly sessions of virtually delivered QEP support have improved outcomes compared to BCS dyads who do not receive QEP support.MethodsParticipants Adult BCS with medical clearance for exercise, who have an internet-connected device, and currently engage in < 150 min of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Intervention BCS will be matched using evidence-based criteria. The intervention group will receive dyadic exercise information sessions and a program tailored by a QEP for 10 weeks (intervention period) and have access to the QEP for an additional 4 weeks (tapering period). The control will not receive any QEP support. Outcomes The primary outcome is post-intervention self-reported exercise volume. Secondary outcomes include device-assessed exercise volume (i.e., Fitbit), social support, and health-related quality of life. Randomization 108 participants, matched in dyads, will be randomized 1:1 to the MatchQEP or Match groups using a web-based scheme. Statistical analysis Outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-intervention, post-tapering, and at 12 weeks post-intervention follow-up.DiscussionThe findings from this RCT will determine if matched BCS dyads who receive 10 weeks of virtually delivered QEP support have higher levels of self-report and device-measured exercise, social support, and health related quality of life compared to matched dyads without QEP-delivered exercise guidance. To our knowledge this will be the first study to assess the combined effect of peer- and QEP support on exercise volume. Project findings will inform and optimize intervention methods aimed to increase exercise among BCS through accessible exercise supports.Trial Registration: The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (study identifier: NCT04771975, protocol Version Number: 2, date: July 22, 2021).

Peer-to-Peer Sharing of Social Media Messages on Sexual Health in a School-Based Intervention: Opportunities and Challenges Identified in the STASH Feasibility Trial.

BackgroundThere is a strong interest in the use of social media to spread positive sexual health messages through social networks of young people. However, research suggests that this potential may be limited by a reluctance to be visibly associated with sexual health content on the web or social media and by the lack of trust in the veracity of peer sources.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate opportunities and challenges of using social media to facilitate peer-to-peer sharing of sexual health messages within the context of STASH (Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Health), a secondary school-based and peer-led sexual health intervention.MethodsFollowing training, and as a part of their role, student-nominated peer supporters (aged 14-16 years) invited school friends to trainer-monitored, private Facebook groups. Peer supporters posted curated educational sex and relationship content within these groups. Data came from a feasibility study of the STASH intervention in 6 UK schools. To understand student experiences of the social media component, we used data from 11 semistructured paired and group interviews with peer supporters and their friends (collectively termed students; n=42, aged 14-16 years), a web-based postintervention questionnaire administered to peer supporters (n=88), and baseline and follow-up questionnaires administered to students in the intervention year group (n=680 and n=603, respectively). We carried out a thematic analysis of qualitative data and a descriptive analysis of quantitative data.ResultsMessage sharing by peer supporters was hindered by variable engagement with Facebook. The trainer-monitored and private Facebook groups were acceptable to student members (peer supporters and their friends) and reassuring to peer supporters but led to engagement that ran parallel to—rather than embedded in—their routine social media use. The offline context of a school-based intervention helped legitimate and augment Facebook posts; however, even where friends were receptive to STASH messages, they did not necessarily engage visibly on social media. Preferences for content design varied; however, humor, color, and text brevity were important. Preferences for social media versus offline message sharing varied.ConclusionsInvitation-only social media groups formed around peer supporters’ existing friendship networks hold potential for diffusing messages in peer-based sexual health interventions. Ideally, interactive opportunities should not be limited to single social media platforms and should run alongside offline conversations. There are tensions between offering young people autonomy to engage flexibly and authentically and the need for adult oversight of activities for information accuracy and safeguarding.

Relationship dynamics with male partners among girls in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria: Risk for violence and health related consequences

IntroductionThis study explored the motivations for and relationship dynamics that may promote girls’ vulnerability for intimate partner violence and sources of support reported in unhealthy relationships among girls residing in low-income communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. MethodsFocus group discussions (n = 14; 122 girls) were conducted among girls aged 15–19 years, who reported having been in a relationship lasting at least 3 months. Girls were recruited from schools and worksites where partner violence has been reported in high proportions. Data were analysed using conceptual content analyses and independently coded by two researchers. ResultsAdolescent girls reported keeping their relationships secret from their parents. While girls reported that sometimes relationships were out of love, relationships were also often motivated by girls' financial need. The financial and secretive nature of these relationships appeared to place girls at risk for intimate partner violence, with sexual coercion, resulting in multiple adverse social and health outcomes, including sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Girls reported that leaving an abusive relationship is especially difficult when girls rely financially, were sexually involved, pregnant, or have had a child with the male partner. Friends/peers, rather than girls’ family, were often the source of support for intimate partner violence. ConclusionEarly identification of unhealthy relationships and supporting girls to be financially independent appear to be critical to reduce vulnerability to violence. Peer-based interventions may be most appropriate, given that girls’ friends, rather than parents, were most often the source of support for intimate partner violence and other relationship challenges.

"Being There" vs "Being Direct:" Perspectives of Persons with Serious Mental Illness on Receiving Support with Physical Health from Peer and Non-Peer Providers.

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) face significant health disparities and multiple barriers to engaging in health behavior change. To reduce these health disparities, it is necessary to enhance the support individuals with SMI receive through the collaboration of different healthcare providers. This study explored how people with SMI living in supportive housing perceived receiving support from peer and non-peer providers for their physical health. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 participants receiving a peer-led healthy lifestyle intervention in the context of a randomized trial in supportive housing agencies. Interviews explored participants' experiences working with the healthy lifestyle peer specialist and a non-peer provider who assisted them with health. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using strategies rooted in grounded theory. Participants viewed their relationships with peer and non-peer providers positively, but described differences in the approach to practice, power dynamics present, and how they identified with each provider. Participants described peers as process-oriented while non-peer staff as task-oriented, focusing on accomplishing concrete objectives. Each provider sought to boost participants' motivation, but peers built hope by emphasizing the possibility of change, while non-peer providers emphasized the consequences of inaction. Participants related to peer staff through shared experiences, while identifying the importance of having a shared treatment goal with their non-peer provider. Overall, participants appreciated the unique roles of both peer and non-peer staff in supporting their health. Study findings have implications for integrating the use of peer-based health interventions to improve the health of people with SMI.

An examination of electronic nicotine delivery system use among college students using social cognitive theory

Objective Using social cognitive theory as a framework, this study examined electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use, related cognitions, and context among college students. Participants: Respondents were 1229 students attending a mid-sized, northeastern university. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered and SPSS was used for analysis. Results: Almost 41% of respondents reported ENDS use in the prior month (past-month user), 26.8% reported trying ENDS but no use in the prior month (occasional user), and 32.3% reported never trying ENDS. The results highlight significant associations in past-month versus occasional use and reasons for initation, location for ENDS use, perceived norms for ENDS use, and outcome expectations for ENDS use. Conclusions: This study highlights a need for theory-based, multi-level strategies to reduce ENDS use. Interventions should increase awareness about the risks of ENDS, include peer-based interventions to foster health-promoting campus social environments, and explore the use of policies restricting campus ENDS use.

Effectiveness of a peer-based intervention on loneliness and social isolation of older Chinese immigrants in Canada: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSocial isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants.MethodsSixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n = 30 each) in a randomized control parallel trial design. Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. Social workers who are not blinded to the group assignment measured the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including three primary outcomes (loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation) and five secondary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life).ResultsThe 30 intervention group participants showed a statistically significant decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to the 30 control group participants. They reported fewer barriers to social participation, fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group.ConclusionsThere is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered.

Will peer-based interventions improve hepatitis C virus treatment uptake among young people who inject drugs?

People who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and have low rates of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment uptake, despite universal coverage of the medication in most Canadian settings. Investigation into peer-based interventions as a means of improving treatment uptake has yielded promising results in adult PWID populations. In this commentary, we discuss the benefits and considerations of integrating peer-based interventions into HCV care for adolescent and young adult PWID living with HCV. Given that young PWID experience high transmission rates and account for most new infections, improving strategies for youth engagement with DAA treatment is critical. We describe how peer-based interventions can feature the unique importance of peer relationships in this period of life and provide a low-barrier way of delivering health promotion messages. In particular, we discuss the ability of peer-based interventions to reshape the narrative of HCV care in young PWID peer networks by empowering youth to share experiences and knowledge with others. We conclude by addressing knowledge gaps in the literature which must be filled in order to strengthen the impact of peer-based interventions on treatment uptake rates among young PWID.

Positive Deviance for Dual-Method Promotion among Women in Uganda: A Qualitative Study.

Dual-method use is the most reliable form of protection against unintended pregnancies and human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STIs). Although dual-method use remains uncommon among women in stable relationships, some women do practice it. In this study, we explored the barriers that make dual-method use rare and the behaviors of women who practice dual-method use using a positive deviance framework in Uganda. We screened 150 women using highly effective contraceptives at five health facilities. We identified nine women who practiced dual-method use and 141 women who did not. In a qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with all nine women practicing dual-method use and 10 women randomly selected out of the 141 who did not. We performed a thematic analysis using the positive deviance framework. Regardless of practicing dual-method use or not, women faced perceived barriers against dual-method use, such as partner’s objection, distrust, shyness about introducing condoms into marital relationships, and limited access to condoms. However, women practicing dual-method use had higher levels of risk perception about unintended pregnancies and HIV/STIs. They also engaged in unique behaviors, such as influencing their partners’ condom use by initiating discussions, educating their partners on sexual risks and condom use, and obtaining condoms by themselves. These findings will be useful in developing effective community-led and peer-based interventions promoting dual-method use to reduce the dual burden of unintended pregnancies and HIV/STIs among women in Uganda.

How peer support can assist job-seekers with a disability move into work

AbstractAnecdotally, there are frequent reports that peer-facilitated initiatives can be successfully used in employment services. However, in Australia, there is little information about how to effectively deliver peer support. In this paper, we discuss how peer-based interventions might be used to supplement formal return-to-work services and contribute to positive job-seeking outcomes. We illustrate the potential of vocational peer support using a real situation involving a young adult who successfully returned to work soon after sustaining a traumatic injury. Future research should explore the inclusion of various peer support structures and formats as a component of other employment services, to help people with long-term conditions and disabilities achieve a range of vocational outcomes and to guide practice in this area.

Communication Strategies To Enhance HIV/STI Prevention, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Safety Among Migrant Sex Workers at the Mexico-Guatemala Border.

Communication-based interventions have been linked to improved health and social outcomes among underserved populations. Migrant women in sex work face serious health and social inequities, including risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and violence. Given gaps in evidence about health communication among migrant sex workers and the potential for communication-based interventions to promote health and safety, this qualitative study investigates experiences with accessing and sharing information regarding HIV/STI prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and physical safety among migrant sex workers at the Mexico-Guatemala border. Findings suggest that participatory peer-based, workplace, and m-health communication interventions could facilitate access to HIV/STI prevention, and to sexual and reproductive health/safety resources for migrant women involved in sex work, while strengthening peer support networks and social cohesion. To have long-lasting results, such interventions must be complemented by broader structural changes, including sex work and migration law reforms, increased community mobilization, and improved working conditions.

Global Variation in the Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety and Their Correlates Among Adolescents: A Population Based Study of 82 Countries

Background : Suicidal ideation and anxiety are common among adolescents although their prevalence has predominantly been studied in high income countries. This study estimated the population prevalence of suicidal ideation and anxiety and their correlates with peer support, parent-adolescent relationship, peer victimisation, conflict, isolation and loneliness across a range of low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income countries and high-income countries (LMIC-HICs). Methods: Data were drawn from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSGS) of adolescents aged 12–17 years between 2003 and 2015 in 82 LM-HICs from the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. We estimated weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation and anxiety by country, region and at a global level. We used multiple binary logistic regression to estimate the adjusted association between adolescent age, sex, socioeconomic status, peer support, parent-adolescent relationship, peer victimisation, conflict, isolation and loneliness with suicidal ideation and anxiety. Findings: The sample comprised of 275,057 adolescents aged 12–17 years (mean age was 14·6 (SD 1·18) years of whom 51·8% were females). The overall pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and anxiety were 14·0% (95% CI 10·0-17·0%) and 9·0% (7·0-12·0%) respectively. The highest pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was observed in the Africa Region (21·0%; 20·0-21·0%) and the lowest was in the Asia region (8·0%, 8·0-8·0%). For anxiety, the highest pooled prevalence was observed in Eastern Mediterranean Region (17·0%, 16·0-17·0%) the lowest was in the European Region (4·0%, 4·0-4·0%). Being female, older age, having a lower socioeconomic status and having no close friends were associated with a greater risk of suicidal ideation and anxiety. A higher levels of parental control was positively associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation (OR: 1·65, 1· 45-1·87) and anxiety (1·53, 1·30-1·80). Parental understanding and monitoring was negatively associated with mental health problems. Similarly, the odds of experiencing suicidal ideation and anxiety were higher among adolescents who had been experiencing peer conflict (1·36, 1·24-1·50; 1·54, 1·40-1·70), peer victimization (1·26, 1·15-1·38; 1·13, 1·02-1·26), peer isolation (1·69, 1·53-1·86; 1·76, 1·61-1·92) and reported loneliness (2· 56, 2·33-2·82; 5·63, 5·21-6·08). Interpretations: Suicidal ideation and anxiety are prevalent among adolescents although there is significant global variation· Reductions in suicidal ideation and anxiety may be facilitated by family and peer-based interventions aimed at increasing social connectedness between adolescents and enhancing parenting skills. Research to inform the factors that influence country and regional level differences in adolescent mental health problems may inform preventative strategies. Funding Statement: The authors stated: None. Declaration of Interests: All authors have no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) data are publicly available.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PEER-BASED INTERVENTION ON SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing older Chinese immigrants’ loneliness and social isolation to improve their psychosocial well-being. Method: A randomized controlled trial design was adopted. A sample of 60 community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and above were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. 25 volunteers aged 48 to 76 were recruited and trained to provide one-to-one peer support services through home visits and telephone. The services included multiple activities such as providing emotional support, assisting in problem-solving, and community resources sharing. Different types of activities were consecutively executed throughout the eight weeks in accordance with the service protocol. Standardized assessments including loneliness, social support, social participation, and other psychosocial outcomes such as life satisfaction, happiness, depression, and resilience at baseline and after intervention were measured. Results: After the intervention, as compared to control group participants, intervention group participants reported a significant decrease in loneliness, fewer barriers in social participation, and a significant increase in resilience. They also reported fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness, but no such improvements were observed in the control group. Discussion: The study findings illustrate the need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging, baby boomers can be trained to take up more volunteer roles to serve older adults in distress via peer-based intervention approaches.

How do parents and friends accommodate alcohol consumption in young Thai people? A qualitative focus group study

Despite a magnitude of quantitative data demonstrating the influence of parents and friends on youth drinking, few qualitative studies have explored these relationships in non-Western settings, including Thailand. This study aims to explore the perceived roles of parents and friends in influencing young Thais’ drinking. The data come from seventy-two 20–24-year-old students participating in focus groups. This study found that young people’s first alcohol experiences were often introduced by family members early in their childhood. Later in adolescence, their social contexts shifted from the family unit to focus more on their friends. They perceived drinking to be a norm and drank to enhance social conformity. Parental communication and approaches appeared to be critical in influencing youth drinking patterns. Surprisingly, especially in the context of limited information about the prevention of alcohol-related harm, young people created a self-regulated harm reduction intervention using a designated light drinker. This study suggests that family-support interventions should be introduced in conjunction with social norms and peer-based interventions to enhance parents’ awareness about their influences on youth drinking. The agency of the young people in this study also suggests that self-regulated harm reduction approaches may be considered to complement the abstinence-standpoint policy in Thailand.