Peer Support Groups for Social Isolation

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Daniel Perez Rodriguez, BA

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of New Mexico

Disqualifiers: Prisoners, Unable to consent, Children

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

252 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will use a multi-level, community-engaged approach to implement "TERTULIAS" ("conversational gatherings" in Spanish). The intervention uses an innovative, culturally and contextually situated peer support group design that was developed by the investigators to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities for FMI participants in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The study will use a rigorous, transdisciplinary, QUAL⇒QUANT, mixed-method research design. The investigators will document results of the intervention on the primary hypotheses of a decrease in depression, and increases in resilience and social support, as well as on the secondary hypotheses of decreased stress (including the use of innovative testing of hair cortisol as a biomarker for chronic stress), and an increase in social connectedness and positive assessment of knowledge and empowerment gained through the TERTULIAS intervention.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Modified Attention Placebo Control (MAPC), TERTULIAS structured dialogue peer support groups for social isolation?

Research shows that peer support groups can improve social adjustment and enhance long-term recovery in various conditions, such as alcoholism and coping with serious illness. These groups help individuals connect with others, share experiences, and learn strategies, which can reduce feelings of isolation. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is peer support generally safe for humans?

Research on peer support programs, like those for healthcare professionals after adverse events, suggests they are safe and provide emotional support without reported harm. These programs help individuals share experiences and manage stress, indicating a safe environment for participants. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the TERTULIAS structured dialogue peer support groups treatment different from other treatments for social isolation?

TERTULIAS structured dialogue peer support groups are unique because they focus on peer-led discussions, where individuals with similar experiences provide mutual support, unlike traditional treatments that may rely on professional-led therapy. This approach emphasizes shared experiences and mutual aid, which can foster a sense of community and belonging, potentially making it more effective for reducing social isolation. ^{3 11 12 13 14}

Research Team

Janet M Page-Reeves, PhD

Principal Investigator

UNM Dept. of Family and Community Medicine

Eligibility Criteria

This study is for Spanish-speaking female immigrants from Mexico, over the age of 18, living under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's not open to prisoners, children, or those unable to give consent.

Inclusion Criteria

I speak Spanish fluently.

Reports household income under 250% Federal Poverty Level

I am over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You are currently in jail or prison.

I am unable to give consent by myself.

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants attend weekly peer group sessions designed to reduce depression and increase resilience and social support

12 months

Weekly sessions

Control

Control group participants receive bimonthly check-in calls

12 months

Bimonthly calls

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depression, resilience, social support, and stress

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Modified Attention Placebo Control (MAPC)
• TERTULIAS structured dialogue peer support groups

Trial Overview The trial is testing 'TERTULIAS,' a peer support group designed to reduce depression and social isolation by fostering resilience and social support. Participants will be compared with others in a control group receiving modified attention.

Participant Groups

Group I: TERTULIAS structured dialogue peer support groups Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Structured Dialogue peer support group

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Modified Attention Placebo Control

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of New Mexico

Lead Sponsor

Trials

393

Recruited

3,526,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

Findings from Research

Peer-led mutual support groups can be effective for veterans, especially when participants transition from clinician-led groups, as seen in a successful case at a Veterans Administration Medical Center.

The success of these groups may also depend on prior experiences in interpersonal process groups, which can enhance skills and cohesion among participants, facilitating a smoother shift to peer support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lessons learned from two peer-led mutual support groups. Viverito, KM., Cardin, SA., Johnson, LA., et al.[2019]

The establishment of a Peer Support Service at Brigham and Women's Hospital provides healthcare professionals with a safe space to discuss the emotional impact of adverse medical events, promoting open communication and compassion in the workplace.

This initiative highlights the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of care providers as a critical component of patient safety and quality of care, recognizing that support services can enhance the overall healthcare environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support: healthcare professionals supporting each other after adverse medical events. van Pelt, F.[2021]

The 'Buddy Study' program, which includes a seminar and peer support for healthcare professionals after adverse events, received positive feedback from participants, with 91.6% satisfied with the seminar content and 69.1% feeling it helped them manage their emotional responses.

The program fostered a compassionate culture and attentiveness to colleagues' wellbeing, although it highlighted the need for ongoing support and visibility to maintain its effectiveness, suggesting that while valuable, peer support should complement other forms of support rather than replace them.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of'the Buddy Study', a peer support program for second victims in healthcare: a survey in two Danish hospital departments. Schrøder, K., Bovil, T., Jørgensen, JS., et al.[2022]

Peer support groups have shown potential benefits in addiction treatment, including reductions in substance use, increased treatment engagement, and improved self-efficacy among participants, based on a review of ten studies conducted in the U.S. since 1999.

Despite these promising findings, the overall lack of rigorously tested empirical studies limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of peer support as a formal intervention in addiction treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Tracy, K., Wallace, SP.[2020]

References

1. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Determinants of engagement in face-to-face and online patient support groups. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Piloting the integration of SMART Recovery into outpatient alcohol and other drug treatment programs. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lessons learned from two peer-led mutual support groups. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Institutional self-help therapy for alcoholism: clinical outcome. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer counseling in a general hospital. [2004]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A jury of our PEERS. [2006]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support: healthcare professionals supporting each other after adverse medical events. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What is the volume, diversity and nature of recent, robust evidence for the use of peer support in health and social care? An evidence and gap map. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opportunities and Design Considerations for Peer Support in a Hospital Setting. [2020]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of'the Buddy Study', a peer support program for second victims in healthcare: a survey in two Danish hospital departments. [2022]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support groups after acquired brain injury: a systematic review. [2021]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characteristics of a virtual community for individuals who are d/deaf and hard of hearing. [2019]

13. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. [2020]

14. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The peer advisor experience providing social support. [2019]