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Digitally Enabled Peer Support Intervention to Address Loneliness and Mental Health: Prospective Cohort Analysis
Dena M Bravata1,2, Joseph Kim2,3, Daniel W Russell2,3
1Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, San Francisco, CA, United States.
JMIR Formative Research
|November 6, 2023
Summary
A digital peer support program significantly reduced loneliness, depression, and anxiety in adults. This intervention improved quality of life and offered referrals to behavioral health resources, showing promise for widespread use.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health Interventions
- Mental Health Support
- Social Epidemiology
Background:
- Social isolation and loneliness affect over 60% of US adults, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Healthcare costs are significantly higher for socially isolated individuals, averaging an additional $1643 annually.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a digitally enabled peer support intervention on loneliness, depression, anxiety, and quality of life.
- To assess the effectiveness of the program in a diverse adult population experiencing loneliness.
Main Methods:
- Recruited adults aged 18+ in Colorado via social media for a peer support program.
- Intervention included peer support, group coaching, peer helper opportunities, and behavioral health referrals.
- Utilized validated scales (UCLA Loneliness, PHQ-2, GAD-7) and unhealthy days measures, analyzed with multilevel regression.
Main Results:
- 815 diverse participants showed high engagement (90% at 60 days, 86% at 90 days).
- Statistically significant improvements observed: 14.6% decrease in loneliness, 50.1% decline in depression, 29% reduction in anxiety, and 13% increase in quality of life.
- Estimated annual medical cost reduction of $615 per participant and successful referrals to behavioral health resources.
Conclusions:
- Digitally enabled peer support is effective for improving mental health outcomes in adults with loneliness.
- The program shows potential for identifying and connecting individuals with necessary behavioral health resources.
Keywords:
anxietycompanionshipdepressionlonelinessoccupational healthpeer-supportquality of lifesocial isolationMore Related Videos
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