Introduction
Although cancer self‐help groups (CSHGs) have increased in importance in recent years, certain aspects have not yet been sufficiently investigated in studies to date. In particular, ...little is known about members' experiences in face‐to‐face peer led CSHGs. This systematic review aims to synthesise qualitative studies documenting personal experiences of CSHG members and to enlighten group processes and mechanisms. It focuses on benefits and challenges of participating in face‐to‐face CSHGs in studies based on qualitative research.
Methods
MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PSYNDEX were used to identify relevant studies published from January 2000 to April 2022.
Results
Of the 978 studies screened for eligibility, 20 studies were included in the review and were methodologically assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. All included studies consistently indicate that participation in a peer led CSHG leads to multiple perceived benefits, that is, informational support, shared experience, learning from others, helping others as well as cultivating humour as a coping strategy. Additionally, various challenges in CSHGs were identified, that is, confrontation with the suffering of others, divergent information needs, distressing group dynamics and challenging aspects concerning leadership and sustainability.
Conclusion
This indicates that groups need low‐threshold offers to be able to organise support in case of need.
Background
As social media are evolving rapidly online support groups (OSG) are becoming increasingly important for patients. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the users of traditional ...face-to-face support groups and OSG.
Patients and methods
We performed a cross-sectional comparison study of all regional face-to-face support groups and the largest OSG in Germany. By applying validated instruments, the survey covered sociodemographic and disease-related information, decision-making habits, psychological aspects, and quality of life.
Results
We analyzed the complete data of 955 patients visiting face-to-face support groups and 686 patients using OSG. Patients using OSG were 6 years younger (65.3 vs. 71.5 years;
p
< 0.001), had higher education levels (47 vs. 21%;
p
< 0.001), and had higher income. Patients using OSG reported a higher share of metastatic disease (17 vs. 12%;
p
< 0.001). Patients using OSG reported greater distress. There were no significant differences in anxiety, depression, and global quality of life. In the face-to-face support groups, patient ratings were better for exchanging information, gaining recognition, and caring for others. Patients using OSG demanded a more active role in the treatment decision-making process (58 vs. 33%;
p
< 0.001) and changed their initial treatment decision more frequently (29 vs. 25%;
p
< 0.001).
Conclusions
Both modalities of peer support received very positive ratings by their users and have significant impact on treatment decision-making.
Implications for cancer survivors
Older patients might benefit more from the continuous social support in face-to-face support groups. OSG offer low-threshold advice for acute problems to younger and better educated patients with high distress.
Trial registration
www.germanctr.de
, number DRKS00005086
Aim
To identify a serial multiple mediation effect of social support in online health communities and collective empowerment on the relationship between diabetes‐related burden (DRB) and ...self‐efficacy, among mothers using a continuous glucose monitoring device for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Design
A secondary analysis, cross‐sectional, descriptive study.
Methods
Data were obtained from 198 mothers of children with T1D via a web survey, from August to September 2020. Measures used were the Collective Empowerment in the Online Health Community Scale, a modified version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Problem Areas in Diabetes Survey—Parent Revised version and a modified version of the Maternal Self‐efficacy for Diabetes Management Scale. Data were analysed using SPSS 25.0, and PROCESS MACRO for SPSS v3.5.
Results
A serial multiple mediation model was used. The indirect effects of both social support in online health communities and collective empowerment were identified in the relationship between DRB and diabetes self‐efficacy (DSE). However, there was no indirect effect of social support in online health communities on these relationships.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that online social support alone has a limited role in chronic disease management self‐efficacy. Collective empowerment should be a strategic component in intervention development using online health communities to strengthen DSE in mothers of children with T1D.
Impact
This study provides novel insights into the functional mechanism of online health communities for T1D. Peer mentor coaching by parents of children with T1D effectively helps other children's parents with its recent diagnosis. The findings recognize a need for strategies enhancing collective empowerment among parents of children with T1D. Along with peer coaching, these strategies should strengthen knowledge of resources and methods to impact social change as well as resource mobilization for collective actions.
Objectives
Social‐cure research has shown that ingroup identification can be beneficial for personal health and well‐being. Initial evidence for healthy participants suggests that this might be due ...to group membership providing a sense of personal control. In this research, we investigate this pathway for chronically ill patients, assuming that any ingroup (even patient identity) can serve as social cure by increasing control as long as the ingroup is perceived as agentic (i.e., effective).
Design
We conducted six correlational field studies with patients suffering from different chronic conditions, e.g., cancer (Ntotal = 795).
Methods
All participants were asked about one specific ingroup, e.g., their self‐help group. Our main measures were ingroup identification, ingroup agency, personal control and well‐being, as well as self‐esteem and social support (both discussed as alternative mediators). We performed simple mediation and/or moderated mediation analyses for each study and across studies (merging Studies 2–6).
Results
Overall, the impact of ingroup identification on personal well‐being was uniquely mediated via personal control (Studies 1, 2, 3, 6) but, as expected, only for those perceiving their ingroup as highly agentic (Studies 4, 5, 6).
Conclusions
Ingroup agency is a boundary condition for the control‐based pathway of the social cure effect supporting the model of group‐based control. This has practical implications for clinical interventions with chronically ill patients.
This study examined the determinants of community engagement and its contribution to poverty reduction in Jajarkot, Nepal. Primary data were collected from 448 households using a structured ...questionnaire survey and key informant interviews. The collected data were analyzed using mean comparison t-tests, probit analysis, and binary logistic regression models. The results indicated that the education level of respondents, months of sufficient food, willingness to work as a team, and the level of social participation positively and significantly influenced community engagement. Furthermore, community engagement, participation in the decision-making process, and skill related training were found to be positively correlated with income. The study identified a significant difference in mean income between the engaged and non-engaged groups, with a margin of 471 USD, suggesting that community engagement can increase the income of the engaged groups and thereby contribute to poverty reduction. Community groups, local governments, and national and international organizations should develop an inclusive strategy that involves households in community groups to produce more effective results in society.
This mixed-methods systematic review focuses on the impact of women's self-help groups (SHGs) on women's economic, social, psychological, and political empowerment. Both governmental and ...non-governmental institutions spend formidable resources facilitating SHGs in low-and middle-income countries in South Asia and other developing countries, under the premise that access to microfinance, training, and group support can enhance women's empowerment. We found that women's economic SHGs have positive effects on economic and political empowerment, women's mobility, and women's control over family planning. The estimated effect sizes range from 0.06-0.41 standardised mean differences. We did not find evidence for positive effects of SHGs on psychological empowerment. The qualitative research further suggests that the positive effects of SHGs on empowerment run through mechanisms that are associated with familiarity in handling money, independence in financial decision-making, solidarity, social networks, and respect from the household and other community members. However, the included evaluations often did not include sufficient information about the specifics of the activities that were implemented by the SHGs. As a result, it remains unclear which of the various SHG models are most effective. Finally, our triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative findings indicates that SHGs do not have adverse consequences for domestic violence.
Based on the need to implement strategies to reduce recovery gaps in mental health with the community as axes of recovery, the objective of the present study was to assess the impact on psychosocial ...disability and care continuity in individuals with suicidal behavior, of the clinical and community components of the Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), versus exclusive psychiatric care. For this, a controlled community trial carried out in 2023 was conducted, comprising intervention groups: Support Group (SG), mhGAP Group (mhGAPG) and a Control Group (CG). Self-report measurements were collected pretest and posttest, utilizing the Psychosocial Disability Scale and the Alberta Continuity of Care Scale. The study involved the participation of 94 individuals with a history of suicidal behavior, with 30 individuals in the SG, 34 in the mhGAP group, and 30 in the CG. Categorical variables were summarized using frequency distribution tables. Descriptive statistics were used to examine participants' characteristics at the study outcome and estimate treatment compliance. The Mann-Whitney U Test examined differences in sociodemographic variable frequencies. The Jarque-Bera test confirmed a normal distribution for psychological variables, warranting the use of parametric tests. Differences in mean values across groups, each with two measurements per individual, were assessed using a type II repeated measures ANOVA. There were significant differences based on the intervention, with the effect being greater in the SG across all domains. Significant improvement was observed in all domains of the disability and continuity of care scale within the intervention groups. Both groups showed improvement, with better results for the SG. In conclusion, a methodology is proposed for implementing support groups based on core components, which effectively enhances psychosocial disability and the continuity of mental health care, especially in suicidal behavior.
Aims
To develop and validate an instrument to identify the core components of community strategies for mental health, especially mutual aid groups: The Mutual Aid Scale .
Methods
135 community ...strategies leaders participated in the study. The core components are active agency, coping strategies, recognition, and management of emotions, problem‐solving strategies, supportive interaction, trust, self‐identity construction, and strengthening of social networks. With these components a scale was designed. Content validity was carried out in addition to an exploratory factor analysis.
Results
Two dimensions resulted, strengthening of agency capacity and Coping strategies, and the internal consistency of both factors was acceptable, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.722 and 0.727, respectively. The Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin (KMO) statistic was used with a score of 0.831 and the Barlett Sphericity Test, with a significant value of 265.175.
Conclusion
This scale identifies the components of community interventions for mental health and can contribute to a better implementation of these strategies. It also articulates autonomous community processes with strategies developed in health services.
Highlights
The community interventions have few implementation instruments.
The core components of community interventions in mental health are provided.
A scale is proposed to measure these interventions.
The process of design and validation of the instrument is shown, which is provided in this manuscript.
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy are disabling infectious diseases endemic in Nepal. LF infection can lead to lymphoedema and hydrocoele, while secondary effects of leprosy infection include ...impairments to hands, eyes and feet. The disabling effects of both conditions can be managed through self-care and the supportive effects of self-help groups (SHGs). A network of SHGs exists for people affected by leprosy in four districts in Nepal's Central Development Region, however no such service exists for people affected by LF. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of integrating LF affected people into existing leprosy SHGs in this area.
A survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to elicit information on: (i) participant characteristics, clinical manifestation and disease burden; (ii) participants' knowledge of management of their condition and access to services; and (iii) participants' knowledge and perceptions of the alternate condition (LF affected participants' knowledge of leprosy and vice versa) and attitudes towards integration.
A total of 52 LF affected and 53 leprosy affected participants were interviewed from 14 SHGs. On average, leprosy affected participants were shown to have 1.8 times greater knowledge of self-care techniques, and practiced 2.5 times more frequently than LF affected participants. Only a quarter of LF affected participants had accessed a health service for their condition, compared with 94.3% of leprosy affected people accessing a service (including SHGs), at least once a week. High levels of stigma were perceived by both groups towards the alternate condition, however, the majority of LF (79%) and leprosy (94.3%) affected participants stated that they would consider attending an integrated SHG.
LF affected participants need to increase their knowledge of self-care and access to health services. Despite stigma being a potential barrier, attitudes towards integration were positive, suggesting that the SHGs may be a good platform for LF affected people to start self-care in this area.
This is not a registered trial.
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