Highlights
- •Interventions were provided by peers, social networks, support groups or remotely.
- •Interventions targeting social support did not always measure social support outcomes.
- •Multi-component interventions were most effective on social support and well-being outcomes.
- •Caregivers benefit from remote interventions using internet or telephone equipment.
- •Methodological quality of social support intervention studies warrants future attention.
Abstract
Objective
Social support interventions for caregivers of persons with dementia (PwD) are important
because informal carers often rely on their social networks for support. This systematic
review synthesises findings from research on social support interventions, and examines
their methodological quality and effectiveness on caregiver social support and well-being
variables.
Methods
A systematic literature search utilised five databases. Papers were selected when
the primary aim of the intervention was to improve social support. Quality of papers
was assessed by the Level of Evidence grade and the criteria list from the Cochrane
Back Review Group.
Results
39 papers were identified and classified into 4 social support intervention categories:
befriending and peer support, family support and social network interventions, support
groups, and remote interventions using the internet or telephone. Content, intensity,
uptake, effectiveness and quality of interventions varied widely. In general, the
level of evidence was low. Most studies measured effect on well-being variables, while
few examined social support outcomes. Multi-component social support interventions
were most effective. Evidence suggested, also a caregiver benefit from remote interventions.
Generally, results were inconsistent; some papers demonstrated beneficial results,
while others demonstrated no improvement on social support and well-being variables.
Social support outcomes were more positively evaluated when qualitative outcome measures
rather than quantitative measures were used.
Conclusions
Although multi-component social support interventionsmay improve caregiver well-being,
there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether a change in social support is the
underlying mediating factor. The inclusion, validation and operationalization of caregiver
social support measures deserve more attention.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 04, 2016
Accepted:
December 20,
2015
Received in revised form:
December 17,
2015
Received:
July 24,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
