Effect of Layperson-Delivered, Empathy-Focused Program of Telephone Calls on Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Loneliness is a risk factor for many clinical conditions, but there are few effective interventions deployable at scale.

Objective

To determine whether a layperson-delivered, empathy-focused program of telephone calls could rapidly improve loneliness, depression, and anxiety in at-risk adults.

Design, setting, and participants

From July 6 to September 24, 2020, we recruited and followed up 240 adults who were assigned to receive calls (intervention group) or no calls (control group) via block randomization. Loneliness, depression, and anxiety were measured using validated scales at enrollment and after 4 weeks. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted. Meals on Wheels Central Texas (MOWCTX) clients received calls in their homes or wherever they might have

SUBMITTER: Kahlon MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7903319 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature