The Longitudinal Impact of a Peer Support Program on Adolescents Experiencing Chronic Illness.

Aims: The Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) program is a peer support group for adolescents with chronic illness (CI) at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. The program provides psychosocial support through connection to peers with shared experience. This quantitative study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal impact of ChIPS participation on measures of belonging, social support, life satisfaction, and self-efficacy.

Methods: Participants who commenced the ChIPS program from April 2019 to May 2024 were invited to complete questionnaires containing validated measures (Sense of Belonging scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Life Satisfaction Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Self-Efficacy to Manage Disease in General Scale). Surveys were completed at four time points over a two-year period: pre and post completing the introductory program, then at two further time points 12 and 24 months later.

Results: Participants demonstrated a high sense of belonging to the program. Life satisfaction scores remained relatively stable despite the expected reduction in these across adolescence. Perceived social support scores also remained stable. Participation in ChIPS was associated with increasing self-efficacy in general and in the management of CI over time.

Conclusions: The ChIPS program is valuable for adolescents experiencing CI, and provides a sense of belonging for young people who are at risk of social isolation.