The impact of a peer support group for children with rheumatic heart disease in Uganda. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scheel, Amy; Beaton, Andrea; Okello, Emmy; Longenecker, Chris T.; Otim, Isaac Omara; Lwabi, Peter; Sable, Craig; Webel, Allison R.; Aliku, Twalib
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 101:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Rheumatic heart disease -- Health related quality of life -- Social support -- Uganda -- Disease knowledge -- Children; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2017.07.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: Monthly support group for children with RHD consisting of cooperative play and team work, education and social support. Attendance normalized previously decreased HRQOL scores. Increase in disease knowledge and decrease in feelings of social isolation amongst participants. Abstract: Objective: To assess the impact of a peer-support group on knowledge, quality of life, and social support for children with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Methods: Children diagnosed with RHD and receiving 4-weekly injectable penicillin were invited to participate in a monthly support group for 6 months. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included a baseline RHD knowledge assessment, a measure of health related quality of life (HRQOL) (PedsQLTM 4.0), and a measure of social support (Hawthorne Friendship Scale). Groups incorporated elements of cooperative play and team building, RHD education, and emotional support. Results: 42 participants attended ≥3 groups and were included in the analyses. Attending support groups resulted in increased total HRQOL scores (60.3 v 70.2, p < 0.001), as well as the following HRQOL sub-scores (physical functioning 55.3 v 68.6 (p < 0.001), social functioning 64.2 v 75.8 (p < 0.001) and school functioning 59.2 v 69.1 (p = 0.001)). Significant increases in Friendship Scale scores (15.4 v 19.7, p < 0.001) and RHD Knowledge scores were observed (3.6 v 6.4, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Peer-support groups may be effective at normalizing decreased HRQOL scores and increasing RHD disease knowledge and social support. Practical implications: Peer-support groups implemented in conjunction with RHD screening can minimize the negative psychosocial effects associated with early RHD detection.