Social Support Interventions Research Articles

Social Support, Social Strain, Stressful Life Events and Mortality Among Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer

ABSTRACTIntroductionSocial support, social strain and stressful life events could induce chronic stress, which affects prognosis and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. However, few studies have examined the impact of psychosocial factors on different competing mortality events.MethodsWe included 9154 postmenopausal women who were newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer after enrollment in the Women's Health Initiative, as of March 6th, 2021. Psychosocial factors were collected and stratified into quartiles. Cause of death was verified through adjudicated medical record reviews. Associations between psychosocial factors and all‐cause mortality, breast cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality were examined by competing risk models. Subsequent stratified analyses were performed by race.ResultsWith a median follow‐up time of 8.6 years, 3218 deaths were identified. Compared to participants with less social support, those who had higher social support had significantly lower all‐cause mortality (Q4 vs. Q1, HR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.9). The highest quartile of social strain was associated with lower CVD mortality (Q4 vs. Q1: HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.99). After stratification, a similar relationship was found in White women but not in Black women.ConclusionOur findings suggest that there was an association between high social support and reduced all‐cause mortality regardless of cancer stages at diagnosis. Social support interventions after breast cancer diagnosis could have the potential to reduce overall mortality.

Exploring the Impact of Social Support on Tuberculosis Treatment: A Thematic Review

Aims: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical global health issue, characterized by significant morbidity and mortality rates. Recent research highlights the potential of social support interventions to enhance TB treatment outcomes and improve patient quality of life. This study examines the positive effects of social support interventions on TB patients throughout their treatment process. Method: Utilizing a traditional review approach, this study applies thematic analysis to synthesize findings from the literature. The review encompasses 17 articles selected from reputable databases, including PubMed, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, based on predefined inclusion criteria. These articles underwent quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. The PRISMA flowchart provided transparency in the selection process. Results: Key themes identified through the analysis include treatment adherence, psychological well-being, motivation to recover, health-related quality of life, prevention of TB transmission, successful TB treatment, and self-efficacy to recover. Conclusion: The findings suggest that social support interventions can play a crucial role in addressing the persistent challenges of TB management globally.

Role of Social Support in Improving Quality of Life among Myanmar Women Migrant Workers in Central and Northern Thailand: Implications for Community Nursing

Background: Social support and quality of life (QoL) are crucial for the well-being of individuals. Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand represent a vulnerable population, yet there are limited studies on social support and QoL among these migrants. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated associations between social support and QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in central and northern Thailandthrough multistage sampling using a structured questionnaire. Social support was measured using the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey, and QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple linear regression was analysed to find the association between social support and QoL, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Results: Among 575 participants, they had an average overall social support score of 61.73 ± 16.47, with low support = 24.35%, moderate support = 46.43%, and high support = 29.22%. The average overall QoL score was 90.54 ± 13.23. Higher social support was positively associated with QoL (B = 4.781 for moderate support and B = 9.721 for high support, p < 0.01). Higher education and easier access to emergency finances were also positively associated with QoL. Conclusion: Tailored social support interventions are recommended to enhance QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand. Community nurses play a critical role in these interventions by providing education, facilitating access to resources, and fostering supportive networks.

The role of peer social support on family psychological resilience in caring for Chronic Kidney Disease patients receiving hemodialysis

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a disease that necessitates continuous Hemodialysis (HD) therapy, and families, as primary caregivers in Indonesia, play a crucial role in caring for CKD patients. However, HD therapy places a significant burden not only on patients but also on their families, requiring fostering family psychological resilience to mitigate such a burden. Although peer social support is an important external factor in chronic disease, it is still underdeveloped. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between peer social support and family psychological resilience in caring for CKD patients receiving HD.This cross-sectional study used purposive sampling, engaging 134 families serving as caregivers for patients receiving HD therapy. The Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and The Walsh Family Resilience Questionnaire (WFRQ) were adopted as instruments, and data were analyzed using univariate and Spearman tests.The majority of families reported high levels of peer social support (75,37%), predominantly originating from other members facing similar challenges related to caring for CKD patients. Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between peer social support and family psychological resilience (p-value<0.05), showing that higher levels of peer support corresponded to higher family resilience.In conclusion, there was a strong correlation between peer social support and family resilience in the context of caring for CKD patients. Healthcare professionals should integrate social support intervention by establishing social groups to enhance family resilience.

Nursing outcomes and social support intervention for diabetes self-management: consensus study

Highlights Self-management of type 2 diabetes allows for better health outcomes, maintains independence, and improves quality of life for longer periods of time. Nursing interventions help professionals accurately assess the health status and outcomes of the target population while providing scientific evidence. The nursing professional is a significant source of social support in the self-management of diabetes mellitus. The outcomes achieved by patients are the most important indicators of quality in health care, allowing clarifying nursing knowledge and determining the effectiveness of care. Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic noncommunicable diseases in the world. Objective: To validate by expert consensus the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) self-management: diabetes (1619) and social support (1504), as well as to validate the intervention of social support for adults in the self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Materials and Methods: A consensus study. Several phases were delimited for validation: the first was to validate the results and indicators; the second was to construct and validate the conceptual and operational definitions; and the magnitude of the selected indicators; and the third was to design and validate the intervention of social support for adults in the self-management of DM2. Results: 28 indicators were selected and validated by experts out of the 44 that make up the nursing outcome of self-management: diabetes, and 9 indicators out of the 12 that make up the social support outcome, both with a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.98. As for the intervention, a social support intervention was designed for the self-management of DM2, individualized, and made up of 4 sessions. The components of the intervention include generalities of DM2, healthy life habits, safe care, and emotional support. Discussion: Nursing professionals must evaluate people who experience diabetes, and their capacity for self-management and social support in order to provide appropriate interventions and evaluate their effectiveness. Conclusions: The study significantly evidenced the validation of the two nursing outcomes and their respective indicators, added to the conceptual and operational definitions, and their magnitude. How to cite this article: Garizábalo-Dávila Claudia Milena, Cañon-Montañez Wilson, Rodríguez-Acelas Alba Luz. Nursing Outcomes and Social Support Intervention for Diabetes Self-management: Consensus Study. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(3):e3742. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.3742

Using Natural Language Processing on Expert Panel Discussions to Gain Insights for Recruitment, Retention and Intervention Adherence for Online Social Support Interventions on a Stage II-III Clinical Trial Among Hispanic and African American Dementia Caregivers.

We applied natural language processing (NLP) to a corpus extracted from 4 hours of expert panel discussion transcripts to determine the sustainability of a Stage II-III clinical trial of online social support interventions for Hispanic and African American dementia caregivers. Prominent topics included Technology/hard to reach populations, Training younger populations, Building trust, Privacy and security issues, Simplification of screening questions and recruitment procedures, Understanding participants' needs, Planning strategies and logistics, Potential recruitment places, Adjusting intervention size downwards to engage elderly participants, Targeting different generations, Internet-based interventions by age range, and Providing step-by-step instructions and an overview of the entire research process during recruitment. The application of NLP to qualitative data on a dementia caregiving clinical trial provides useful insights for recruitment, retention, and adherence to guidelines for such interventions serving Hispanic and African American dementia caregivers.

Perceived social support and academic resilience as predictors of psychological distress and wellbeing among students with disabilities in the University of Education, Winneba

AbstractStudents with impairment whether physical, sensory or intellectual face challenges in their quest to have inclusive education predisposing them to various stressors. Yet, studies have rarely explored this important psychological construct. This cross‐sectional study assessed the prevalence of psychological distress and how perceived social support and academic resilience predict distress in this population. A total of 101 students with hearing, visual and physical impairments were purposively sampled and administered questionnaires that measured psychological distress, social support and academic resilience. Results revealed the prevalence of psychological distress was 75.5%. Also, perceived social support (β = −0.25, p < 0.01) and academic resilience (β = −0.34, p < 0.001) significantly predicted psychological distress with perseverance (β = −0.51, p < 0.001) being the only dimension of academic resilience that predicted psychological distress. This study concludes that students with impairments have a high prevalence of psychological distress, which can be reduced through social support and resilience building interventions at both individual and group levels. We recommend that these counselling interventions be provided for students with impairment to help them deal with the challenges or stressors they encounter.

Compassionate use of esketamine intranasal in patients with severe major depressive disorder resistant to the treatment.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is defined as the failure of at least two antidepressants in adequate doses and timing during a major depressive episode. Esketamine intranasal (ESK-IN) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of TRD in combination with other antidepressants. To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of a sample of TRD patients who received treatment with ESK-IN as part of the compassionate use program. A retrospective, observational study was carried out on patients with a diagnosis of TRD enrolled in the early access program of ESK-IN in nine centers. Effectiveness was assessed with the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) at four time points: baseline, 28, 90, and 180 days of treatment. The sample included 71 patients (70% women) with a mean baseline MADRS score of 38.27 ± 5.9 and total or partial work disability rates of 85%. ESK-IN treatment was associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms at all time points assessed. The presence of side effects was common but the majority were mild in severity and resolved after the observation period. Those patients who received psychotherapy in combination with ESK-IN showed a significantly lower MADRS score at 90 and 180 days than those patients who did not undergo psychotherapy. ESK-IN has proven to be effective and safe in a clinical sample of patients with severe TRD. To optimize clinical outcomes, the pharmacological treatment for TRD should always be integrated into a comprehensive therapeutic plan that encompasses strategies such as psychotherapy, social support, and family interventions.

“Especially Being Homeless, They Just Think You’re Infected with COVID or Something”: A Qualitative Exploration of the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on People Experiencing Homelessness With a History of Injection Drug Use in Baltimore, Maryland

People experiencing homelessness with a substance use disorder are a highly structurally vulnerable population, facing a unique burden of compounding stigma, discrimination, and adverse health outcomes. Evidence remains mixed on best practices for housing interventions designed to meet the needs of this population. Ten people with a history of injection drug use experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic were interviewed between July 2021 and February 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. Thematic analysis was used to characterize the pandemic’s impact on their resource access, housing, and substance use. Participants highlighted substantial challenges resulting from structural changes during the pandemic, including limits on income-generating opportunities and resource access, and increases in experiences of stigma and discrimination. However, several individuals reported decreased substance use in response to changes to their housing status, with those placed in secure housing attributing their decreased use to this change. These accounts can help guide housing and social support interventions best suited to meet the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders.

Social, economic, and physical side effects impact PrEP uptake and persistence among transgender women in Peru

IntroductionOral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1 infection is over 99% effective in protecting against HIV acquisition when used consistently and appropriately. However, PrEP uptake and persistent use remains suboptimal, with a substantial gap in utilization among key populations who could most benefit from PrEP. In Latin America specifically, there is poor understanding of barriers to PrEP uptake and persistence among transgender (trans) women.MethodsIn April-May 2018, we conducted qualitative interviews lasting 25–45 min as part of an end-of-project evaluation of TransPrEP, a pilot RCT that examined the impact of a social network-based peer support intervention on PrEP adherence among trans women in Lima, Peru. Participants in the qualitative evaluation, all adult trans women, included individuals who either (1) screened eligible to participate in the TransPrEP pilot, but opted not to enroll (n = 8), (2) enrolled, but later withdrew (n = 6), (3) were still actively enrolled at the time of interview and/or successfully completed the study (n = 16), or (4) were study staff (n = 4). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Codebook development followed an immersion/crystallization approach, and coding was completed using Dedoose.ResultsEvaluation participants had a mean age of 28.2 years (range 19–47). When describing experiences taking PrEP, participant narratives highlighted side effects that spanned three domains: physical side effects, such as prolonged symptoms of gastrointestinal distress or somnolence; economic challenges, including lost income due to inability to work; and social concerns, including interpersonal conflicts due to HIV-related stigma. Participants described PrEP use within a broader context of social and economic marginalization, with a focus on daily survival, and how PrEP side effects negatively contributed to these stressors. Persistence was, in some cases, supported through the intervention’s educational workshops.ConclusionThis research highlights the ways that physical, economic, and social side effects of PrEP can impact acceptability and persistence among trans women in Peru, amplifying and layering onto existing stressors including economic precarity. Understanding the unique experiences of trans women taking PrEP is crucial to informing tailored interventions to improve uptake and persistence.

Using a Programme Science approach to substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission and acquisition in sex transactions among female sex workers in Zimbabwe.

We used a Programme Science platform, to generate evidence to support the implementation of programmes for sex workers in Africa. Female sex workers are estimated to make up 1.6% (1.3%-1.8%) of the population of women aged 15-49 years in Zimbabwe. We highlight how programme science can be used to help distinguish between when, where and with whom programmes need to be implemented and discuss two case studies that exemplify implementing better (Case study 1 (1 June 2019-30 June 2021) Optimizing implementation of a risk differentiated microplanning intervention) and implementing differently (Case study 2 (1 October 2016-30 September 2022) Reorientating implementation of DREAMS for young women selling sex). Zimbabwe's nationally scaled programme for sex workers was established in 2009 in partnership with sex workers to provide comprehensive services for sex workers and generate evidence for programme design, implementation and scale up. Since inception, comprehensive data have been collected from all sex workers seeking services. As the scope of service provision has expanded so has the scope of data collection and analysis. At enrolment, sex workers are assigned an alphanumeric unique identifier which links consultations within and across programme sites. We conduct descriptive analyses of the Key Population (KP) programme data to guide programme implementation and redesign, embedding programmatic qualitative enquiry as required. Two case studies describing different approaches to programme optimization are presented. In the first, an optimization exercise was used to strengthen programme implementation ensuring that the KP programme got back on track after SARS-COV-2. In the second, an in-depth review of research and programme data led to a re-orientation of the DREAMS programme to ensure that young women at the highest risk of HIV acquisition were enrolled and had access to DREAMS social support interventions in turn strengthening their uptake of HIV prevention. Optimizing and sustaining HIV care and treatment programmes requires effective delivery with sufficient scale and intensity for population impact. Our programme science approach guided the scale up of the KP programme in Zimbabwe, providing evidence to support strategy, implementation and ongoing management, and importantly helping us distinguish between when we needed to just implement, implement better or implement differently.

The rise and fall of a social support intervention feasibility trial targeting loneliness in patients with cardiac disease - lessons learned and future perspectives

BackgroundOne of the psychosocial factors recognized for its positive impact on health outcomes among patients with heart disease, is social support provided by network members. However, an increasing number of patients report to experience loneliness. This study addresses the gap in research on the feasibility of an individually structured social support intervention targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness.MethodA feasibility trial of a 6-month social support intervention targeted patients treated for cardiac disease who experienced loneliness. The intervention involved providing the patient with an informal caregiver, either a person from the patient’s social network or a peer, in the long-term rehabilitation phase. Furthermore, the intervention included nurse consultations and motivational text messages. Feasibility was assessed in terms of acceptability and adherence.ResultsDuring October 2022-July 2023, n = 464 patients were screened for loneliness and 28 (6.0%) screened positive of which 17 (60.7%) accepted to be contacted and receive additional information about the social support intervention. Of these, 2 (11.8%) accepted participation. The low recruitment rate did not meet the predetermined acceptability criterion of 25%.ConclusionThis individually structured social support intervention targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness was non-feasible. The study highlights the complexities of engaging lonely patients in a social support intervention program and contributes with valuable insights for future research aiming to develop effective social support interventions tailored to the needs of cardiac patients who experience loneliness.Trial registrationThe trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05503810) 18.08.2022.

The feasibility of a social media-based foot self-management education and support program for adults with diabetes: A partially randomized preference trial

AimTo assess the feasibility of Diabetic Foot Care Group (DFCG), a social media-based self-management education and support intervention, for people with diabetes (PWD) empowerment in diabetes-related foot ulceration prevention. MethodsA partially randomized preference trial was conducted among 32 PWD. DFCG was implemented through Facebook. Participants in the intervention group joined the DFCG in addition to their usual care, while the control group received usual care. Data were collected online using questionnaires on participants' DFCG acceptance, engagement and preliminary efficacy on nine diabetes foot care-related outcomes at baseline, one, and three months post-intervention. ResultsThe participants' study intervention acceptability and engagement rates were 84.2% and 55.2%, respectively. DFCG efficacy rate compared to usual care was 88.9% to 22.2%. Three diabetes foot care-related outcomes increased significantly in the intervention group three-month post-intervention: foot self-care adherence (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.35), preventive foot self-care practice (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.33), and physical health status (p < 0.02, ηp2 = 0.23). ConclusionDFCG is feasible and could effectively improve diabetes foot care-related outcomes. InnovationSocial media is an innovative approach healthcare professionals could utilize to virtually support PWD in ongoing learning and engagement in optimal foot self-care activities. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04395521

A systematic review of social support interventions for youth in foster care

BackgroundExperiencing foster care is associated with a range of negative outcomes in adulthood and identifying protective factors that can be leveraged by intervention efforts is crucial. Social support is one such factor that may have a positive benefit for this population. As such, this review aims to examine the breadth and quality of intervention studies which may be used to enhance social support for youth in foster care, as well as the types of support networks (e.g., family members) directly leveraged within interventions to promote social support. MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane database, Scopus, and Web of Science). Included studies were written in English, present an original peer reviewed study on an intervention which may be used to enhance social support for youth in foster care, feature an experimental design, take place in the United States, include an examination of youth-specific social support, and include study participants school-aged and older. The quality of studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. ResultsTen articles were included in the present review. The interventions discussed in the review included family finding and engagement efforts, skills training and mentoring programs, and a peer support group. Interventions varied in networks leveraged to promote social support; five involved family members and non-related adults, two used family members only, two included non-related adults only, and one involved peers. Studies also varied considerably in methodology used to assess social support. Six articles, representing four interventions, found evidence for interventions to positively impact youth social support. ConclusionsEvidence from the present review suggest that few experimental studies have been conducted on interventions to promote social support, and the included studies indicate that interventions vary considerably in program components, networks involved, and methodology used to assess social support. Though the literature is too limited to draw overarching conclusions and suggest promising models for future interventions, the findings highlight important gaps in the existing literature and provide useful guidance for future work. Future research should give careful attention to the networks utilized and methodology used to assess social support.

50 Years of Research on the Psychology of Sport Injury: A Consensus Statement

Factors influencing sport injury risk, rehabilitation outcomes, and return to sport processes have been the focus in various research disciplines (sports medicine, psychology and sociology). One discipline, with over 50 years of scholarship, is the psychology of sport injury. Despite the research in this field, there is no evidence-based consensus to inform professional practice. The aim of this original and timely consensus statement is to summarise psychological sport injury research and provide consensus recommendations for sport practitioners seeking to implement psychological principles into clinical practice. A total of seven experts with extensive experience outlined the consensus objectives and identified three psychology of sport injury sub-domains: risk, rehabilitation and return to sport. The researchers, grouped in pairs, prepared initial drafts of assigned sub-domains. The group met in Stockholm, and the three texts were merged into a draft and revised in an iterative process. Stress responses are the strongest psychological risk factor for acute injuries. Intra- and interpersonal factors, as well as sociocultural factors, are demonstrated psychosocial risk factors for overuse injuries. Stress management and mindfulness interventions to prevent injuries have been successfully implemented. The rehabilitation process may influence athlete’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural responses. Social support, mindfulness, acceptance-based practices, and cognitive-behavioural based intervention programs reduce negative reactions. Return to sport includes various stages and different trajectories. Returning athletes typically experience concerns regarding competence, autonomy, and relatedness. It is recommended that athletes focus on the physical, technical, and psychological demands of their sport as they progress to increasingly intense activities. Interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., sports medicine and psychology) would be beneficial in enhancing clinical practice and improving athlete outcomes.

Catastrophic healthcare expenditure and caregiver burden in pediatric chronic kidney disease - a mixed methods study from a low resource setting.

Caregivers of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in low resource settings must provide complex medical care at home while being burdened by treatment costs often paid out-of-pocket. We hypothesize that caregiver burden in our low resource setting is greater than reported from high income countries and is associated with frequent catastrophic healthcare expenditure (CHE). We conducted a mixed-methods study of primary caregivers of children with advanced CKD (stage 3b-5) in our private-sector referral hospital in a low resource setting. We assessed caregiver burden using the Pediatric Renal Caregiver Burden Scale (PRCBS) and measured financial burden by calculating the proportion of caregivers who experienced CHE (monthly out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure exceeding 10% of total household monthly expenditure). We performed a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of caregiver interviews to explore sources of burden. Of the 45 caregivers included, 35 (78%) had children on maintenance dialysis (25 PD, 10 HD). Mean caregiver burden score was 141 (± 17), greater than previously reported. On comparative analysis, PRCBS scores were higher among caregivers of children with kidney failure (p = 0.005), recent hospitalization (p = 0.03), non-earning caregivers (p = 0.02), caring for > 2 dependents (p = 0.009), and with high medical expenditure (p = 0.006). CHE occurred in 43 (96%) caregivers of whom 37 (82%) paid out-of-pocket. The main themes derived relating to caregiver burden were severe financial burden, mental stress and isolation, and perpetual burden of concern. Parents of children with CKD experienced severe caregiver burden with frequent CHE and relentless financial stress indicating an imminent need for social support interventions.

Social support for young people with eating disorders-An integrative review.

Eating disorder treatment should be underpinned by a recovery-oriented approach, be therapeutic, personalised and trauma informed. Within such models of care, social support is an important factor to explore in terms of its influence in supporting hope for recovery, reducing stigma, and mitigating life stressors. Limited research has been conducted to understand the types of social support that are available to young people formally diagnosed with an eating disorder, their feasibility and acceptability and the positive outcomes. This integrative review sought to explore the positive outcomes of social support or social support programs for young people with eating disorders. An integrative review was conducted based on a search of five electronic databases from inception to 31 March 2023. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools and findings have been narratively synthesised and presented in accordance with the review's aims and questions. Seven studies (total 429 individuals, range 3-160) published between 2001 and 2023 were included in the final synthesis. Overall social support interventions showed promising preliminary evidence as a feasible and acceptable adjunct to treatment for young people with an eating disorder motivated to change, with some clinical improvements in psychopathology. Social support augmented existing relationships, providing a human element of open dialogue, friendship and a sense of hope for recovery. Despite the small number and heterogeneity of the studies, this review has highlighted some promising preliminary benefits. Future treatment for eating disorders should embrace adjunct modalities that enhance psychosocial recovery for young people with eating disorders.

Social Support and Mental Well-Being of Newcomer Women and Children Living in Canada: A Scoping Review

Newcomer women and children are less likely to access and utilize mental health support services as compared to the general Canadian population, despite reporting experiences of mental health issues. This review aimed to map out the social support interventions that are available for promoting the mental well-being of newcomer women and children living in Canada. A search using Medline, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane library was conducted to identify published studies. Studies were screened, extracted, and synthesized by two independent reviewers in line with the methodological approach for scoping reviews. Fourteen articles published in English between 2012–2023 were reviewed. Results identified five types of interventions: art and sand play interventions, support groups and workshops, assessment of existing support services, social media interventions, and short-term cognitive behavioral therapy. Our results suggest that culturally appropriate social support interventions increase mental well-being outcomes, such as self-esteem and social support, and reduce peri-migratory traumas for newcomer women and children in Canada. However, findings from this review underscore the need for more quantitative and participatory research approaches so that newcomer women’s and children’s needs are adequately explored and addressed.

Patient perspectives on the unwanted effects of multidisciplinary pain management programmes: A qualitative study

Objective This study aimed to understand the impact of pain management programmes, focusing on the unwanted effects and their influence on patients’ long-term use of self-management strategies. Design Qualitative study. Setting Specialist musculoskeletal hospital in North London, England. Participants Patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain that have completed a pain management programme. Intervention Multidisciplinary pain management programmes. Main measures Data were collected regarding patients’ experiences and unwanted effects from the pain management programme using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Fourteen participant interviews were included in the analysis (median age 54 years, 12 females). Four themes were generated from the data: Benefits and burdens, Pain management programme and real life, Social support and Healthcare interventions. Unwanted effects included heightened anxiety related to negative interactions with peers, being in a new environment, worries about ability to cope with the programme, social anxiety from being in a group, the strain on families due to participants being away from home and a sense of abandonment at end of the programme. Burdens associated with implementing pain management strategies were identified, including the emotional burden of imposing their self-management on close family and competing demands with time and energy spent on self-management at the expense of work or home commitments. Conclusions Pain management programmes have an important role in helping patients to learn how to self-manage chronic pain. Their unwanted effects and the treatment burdens associated with long-term self-management may be an important consideration in improving the longevity of their beneficial effects.

The feasibility of health professional student delivered social visits for stroke survivors with loneliness

ObjectivesTo examine the feasibility of a social phone call program to address social isolation and loneliness in stroke survivors.Materials and methodsWe paired 14 lonely community-living stroke survivors with 14 health professional students for 6-weekly unstructured social phone calls. Feasibility data and measures of social isolation, loneliness and other psychosocial metrics were collected pre- and post-intervention. Students journaled following each unstructured call to capture the informal conversation and their sentiments.ResultsSixty-two percent of the targeted sample was interested. Fourteen eligible and interested participants were enrolled. The 13 (93%) participants completing all calls and surveys were an average of 57 years old, 85% female, and 77% non-Hispanic white. At baseline, participants were highly lonely and moderately depressed. Participants disclosed physical and emotional challenges, previous valued employment, and enjoyment from the calls. Students reported enjoying the connections, learning about the struggles of aging-in-place after stroke, and valuing compassionate care for the stroke population.ConclusionsKnowledge gaps remain regarding effective social support interventions to provide continuity of care directed at managing social disconnection after stroke. A health professional student-delivered social phone call intervention with stroke survivors appears to be a feasible, in part, and encouraging approach for addressing social isolation and loneliness. Future trials require re-evaluation of eligibility criteria and strategies to boost enrollment before efficacy testing is conducted in a larger trial.