Telephone-based peer support intervention to reduce depressive symptoms in women with coronary heart disease, a randomized controlled trial in Germany. Issue 7 (9th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kyaw Tha Tun, Eva; Nagel, Jonas; Bosbach, Alexandra; Bock, Susanne; Kielblock, Birgit; Siegmund-Schultze, Elisabeth; Herrmann-Lingen, Christoph
• Is Part Of: Women & health. Volume 61:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 632
• Publication Date: 2021-08-09
• Subjects: Coronary heart disease -- depression -- peer support intervention -- telephone-based counseling; Women -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; Women's health services -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Women in medicine -- Periodicals; 613.0424405
• DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2021.1953208
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-0242

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Depressive symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) predict adverse outcomes regarding e.g. cardiovascular complications. We trained women with CHD to support female peers through telephone-based counseling and tested whether depressive symptoms can be reduced, and perceived social support can be improved by the intervention over six months. 108 women with CHD and self-reported depressive or anxiety symptoms were included in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group was offered immediate telephone-based peer support for six months, while the waiting list control group received the intervention with a 6-months delay. Primary outcomes were depressive symptoms and perceived social support immediately after the intervention period and at 6-months-follow-up. 40% of the women made use of the peer support. During the first six months, both groups showed a reduction in depressive symptoms (IIG: t(169) = −1.79, p = .08; WCG: t(169) = −2.76, p = .007) and a significant improvement in social support (IIG: t(175) = 3.54, p < .001; WCG: t(175) = 3.36, p < .001). We found no significant group × time interactions. There was no influence of telephone-based peer support on depressive symptoms and social support. We discuss potential causes for both lack of specific treatment effects and the general improvement over time in both groups.