A Web-Based Well-Being and Resilience Intervention for Family Members and Friends Supporting a Loved One Using Alcohol and Other Drugs: Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

IF 2 Q3 HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES
Steph Kershaw, Jessica Deng, Madeleine Keaveny, Bronte Speirs, Anna Grager, Dara Sampson, Kate Ross, Nicola Newton, Maree Teeson, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Cath Chapman
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Despite the known psychosocial challenges associated with supporting a loved one using alcohol and other drugs (AOD), there is a scarcity of mental health and well-being interventions for affected friends and family members (AFFMs). Stigma has also been shown to discourage help-seeking among AFFMs. Web-based interventions may facilitate help-seeking by ensuring privacy and anonymity.

Objective: This pilot study examines the usability, acceptability, and feasibility of the Family and Friend Support Program (FFSP), a world-first, evidence-based web-based resilience and well-being program designed with, and for, people caring for someone using AOD. This study also examined AFFM's experiences of caring for a loved one using AOD and their help-seeking behaviors and barriers.

Methods: In 2021 (November-December), participants across Australia completed a baseline web-based cross-sectional survey that assessed the impact of caring for a loved one using AOD (adapted Short Questionnaire for Family Members-Affected by Addiction), and distress levels (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K-10]). Following baseline, participants were invited to interact with the FFSP over 10 weeks. Postprogram and follow-up surveys (10 and 14 wk postbaseline, respectively) and semistructured interviews assessed the usability and acceptability of the program, as well as help-seeking experiences and barriers.

Results: Baseline surveys were completed by 131 AFFMs, with 37% (n=49) completing the postprogram survey and 24% (n=32) completing the follow-up survey. A total of 5 participants took part in individual semistructured interviews at postprogram. On average, K-10 scores fell in the moderate to severe range at baseline (mean 28.4, SD 8.6). At postprogram, the majority of participants (n=27, 55.1%) reported that they did not seek help to cope with or manage their role supporting their loved one and the most common endorsed barrier was cost (n=11, 28.6%). Overall, participants found the FFSP easy to use and provided them with relevant, helpful, and validating information. The majority (n=35, 71.5%) of participants said they would be likely to recommend the FFSP to a person supporting a loved one using AOD. Qualitative responses highlighted the need for free, accessible support for AFFMs such as the FFSP. Limitations included low program engagement and high attrition.

Conclusions: Overall, the FFSP appears to be a promising mental health intervention for AFFMs. This study builds on existing research finding high levels of distress among AFFMs, while highlighting the ongoing barriers to help-seeking. Limitations and future directions for refinements and future efficacy evaluation of the FFSP are discussed including ways to address attrition and increase engagement.

基于网络的家庭成员和朋友支持使用酒精和其他药物的亲人的健康和恢复力干预:混合方法试点研究。
背景:尽管已知与支持使用酒精和其他药物的亲人(AOD)相关的心理社会挑战,但对受影响的朋友和家庭成员(AFFMs)的心理健康和福祉干预措施缺乏。耻辱感也被证明阻碍了affm寻求帮助。基于网络的干预措施可以通过确保隐私和匿名性来促进寻求帮助。目的:本试点研究考察了家庭和朋友支持计划(FFSP)的可用性、可接受性和可行性,这是世界上第一个基于证据的基于网络的恢复力和幸福感计划,旨在为照顾AOD患者的人设计。本研究还考察了AFFM照顾使用AOD的亲人的经历及其寻求帮助的行为和障碍。方法:在2021年(11月至12月),澳大利亚各地的参与者完成了一项基于网络的基线横断面调查,评估了使用AOD(改编的家庭成员成瘾短问卷)和痛苦水平(凯斯勒心理痛苦量表[K-10])照顾亲人的影响。在基线之后,参与者被邀请在10周内与FFSP进行互动。项目后和后续调查(分别为基线后10周和14周)和半结构化访谈评估了项目的可用性和可接受性,以及寻求帮助的经历和障碍。结果:131名affm完成了基线调查,其中37% (n=49)完成了计划后调查,24% (n=32)完成了随访调查。在项目结束后,共有5名参与者参加了个人半结构化面试。在基线时,K-10评分平均在中度至重度范围内下降(平均28.4,标准差8.6)。在项目结束后,大多数参与者(n=27, 55.1%)报告说,他们没有寻求帮助来应对或管理他们支持亲人的角色,最常见的认可障碍是费用(n=11, 28.6%)。总体而言,参与者发现FFSP易于使用,并为他们提供了相关的、有用的和有效的信息。大多数参与者(n= 35,71.5%)表示,他们可能会向支持患有AOD的亲人的人推荐FFSP。定性答复强调需要对FFSP等affm提供免费、可获得的支持。限制包括低项目参与度和高流失率。结论:总体而言,FFSP似乎是一种有希望的affm心理健康干预措施。这项研究建立在现有研究的基础上,该研究发现affm中存在高度的痛苦,同时强调了寻求帮助的持续障碍。讨论了FFSP的局限性和未来的改进方向以及未来的有效性评估,包括解决人员流失和增加参与的方法。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
JMIR Formative Research
JMIR Formative Research Medicine-Medicine (miscellaneous)
CiteScore
2.70
自引率
9.10%
发文量
579
审稿时长
12 weeks
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