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Outcomes of a Peer Support Program in Multiple Sclerosis in an Australian Community Cohort : A Prospective Study
Joint Authors
Amatya, Bhasker
Ng, Louisa
Khan, Fary
Source
Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Issue
Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-7, 7 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2013-12-05
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
7
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background/Objectives.
This pilot study evaluated the impact of a peer support program on improving multiple sclerosis (MS) related psychological functions (depression, anxiety, and stress) and enhancing quality of life.
Methodology.
Participants (n=33) were recruited prospectively and received an 8-week group face-to-face peer support program.
Assessments were at baseline (T1), 6 weeks after program (T2), and 12 months after program (T3), using validated questionnaires: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), McGill Quality of Life (MQOL), and Brief COPE.
Results.
Participants’ mean age was 52; the majority were female (64%) and married (64%).
Median time since MS diagnosis was 16 years.
At T2, participants reported improved psychological functioning (DASS “depression,” “anxiety,” and “stress” subscales, z values −2.36, −2.22, and −2.54, moderate effect sizes (r) 0.29, 0.28, and 0.32, resp.) and quality of life (MQOL SIS z score −2.07, r=0.26) and were less likely to use “self-blame” as a coping mechanism (Brief COPE z score −2.37, r=0.29).
At T3, the positive improvements in stress (DASS stress subscale z score −2.41, r=0.31) and quality of life were maintained (MQOL SIS, z score −2.30, r=0.29).
There were no adverse effects reported.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Ng, Louisa& Amatya, Bhasker& Khan, Fary. 2013. Outcomes of a Peer Support Program in Multiple Sclerosis in an Australian Community Cohort : A Prospective Study. Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-471554
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Ng, Louisa…[et al.]. Outcomes of a Peer Support Program in Multiple Sclerosis in an Australian Community Cohort : A Prospective Study. Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-471554
American Medical Association (AMA)
Ng, Louisa& Amatya, Bhasker& Khan, Fary. Outcomes of a Peer Support Program in Multiple Sclerosis in an Australian Community Cohort : A Prospective Study. Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases. 2013. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-471554
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-471554