[Empowerment of Peer support with a Co-Creative Approach and its Effects on the Health and Quality of Life of Caregiving Parents: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Social Medicine Multi-Centre Study].

Abstract

Introduction: Parents and family carers (pA) of children/adolescents with increased support or care needs due to disability or chronic illness experience significant stress and have elevated health risks. PA organise and support each other in peer support groups. There is a need for research to demonstrate the effects of peer support on self-reported health (SH) and quality of life (QoL).

Methodology: In a prospective, interdisciplinary intervention study, the longitudinal effects of co-creative peer support on pA's SH and QoL were examined in caring communities throughout Germany (multi-centre approach).

Results: Long-term observation statistically demonstrated improved SH, especially among single caregiving parents, and improved QoL among part-time employed pA in the intervention group.

Discussion: The strengthening of peer support among pA holds significant social medicine and economic importance. Self-assessed health is a predictor of morbidity and mortality and is closely linked to the child's health and healthy development. Co-creative methods in peer support have substantial potential to empower pA in terms of health promotion and improving QoL. Given the small sample size, the results should be interpreted cautiously and should be further validated by subsequent studies involving larger populations observed over a longer period.