Improving Social Connectedness for Homebound Older Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial of Tele-Delivered Behavioral Activation Versus Tele-Delivered Friendly Visits.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To test the acceptability and effectiveness of a lay-coach-facilitated, videoconferenced, short-term behavioral activation (Tele-BA) intervention for improving social connectedness among homebound older adults.

Methods

We employed a two-site, participant-randomized controlled trial with 89 older adults (averaging 74 years old) who were recipients of, and initially screened by, home-delivered meals programs. All participants reported loneliness; many reported being socially isolated and/or dissatisfaction with social support. Participants received five weekly videoconference sessions of either Tele-BA or Tele-FV (friendly visits; active control). Three primary outcomes were social interaction (Duke Social Support Index [DSSI] Social Interaction Subscale), subjective

SUBMITTER: Choi NG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8767809 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature