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Kwok JYY, Jiang D, Yeung DYL, Choi NG, Ho RTH, Warner LM, Chou KL. Layperson-Delivered Telephone-Based Behavioral Activation Among Low-Income Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The HEAL-HOA Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2416767. [PMID: 38888923 PMCID: PMC11185980 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Older adults are particularly vulnerable to loneliness and its physical and psychosocial sequelae, but scalable interventions are lacking, especially during disasters such as pandemics. Objective To compare the effects of layperson-delivered, telephone-based behavioral activation and mindfulness interventions vs telephone-based befriending on loneliness among at-risk older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This assessor-blinded, 3-arm randomized clinical trial screened Chinese older adults through household visits and community referrals from April 1, 2021, to April 30, 2023, in Hong Kong. Eligible participants (≥65 years of age) who were lonely, digitally excluded, living alone, and living below the poverty line and provided consent to participate were randomized into behavioral activation, mindfulness, and befriending groups. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Intervention As part of the Helping Alleviate Loneliness in Hong Kong Older Adults (HEAL-HOA) dual randomized clinical trial, 148 older laypersons were trained to deliver a twice-weekly 30-minute intervention via telephone for 4 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was loneliness measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale (range, 20-80) and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (range, 0-6), with higher scores on both scales indicating greater loneliness. Secondary outcomes were depression, perceived stress, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, sleep quality, perceived social support, and social network. Results A total of 1151 participants (mean [SD] age, 76.6 [7.8] years; 843 [73.2%] female) were randomized to the behavioral activation (n = 335), mindfulness (n = 460) or befriending (n = 356) group. Most were widowed or divorced (932 [81.0%]), had primary education or below (782 [67.9%]), and had 3 or more chronic diseases (505 [43.9%]). Following intention-to-treat principles, linear mixed-effects regression model analyses showed that loneliness measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale was significantly reduced in the behavioral activation group (mean difference [MD], -1.96 [95% CI, -3.16 to -0.77] points; P < .001]) and in the mindfulness group (MD, -1.49 [95% CI, -2.60 to -0.37] points; P = .004) at 3 months compared with befriending. Loneliness measured by the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale was not significantly reduced at 3 months in the behavioral activation group (MD, -0.06 [95% CI, -0.26 to 0.13] points; P > .99]) but was in the mindfulness group (MD, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.03 to 0.40] points; P = .01) at 3 months compared with befriending. In the behavioral activation and mindfulness groups, sleep quality improved compared with befriending, but perceived stress increased. Psychological well-being and perceived social support improved in the behavioral activation group. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in depression, life satisfaction, or social network. Conclusion and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, scalable psychosocial interventions delivered remotely by older laypersons appeared promising in reducing later life loneliness and addressing the pressing mental health challenges faced by aging populations and professional geriatric mental health workforce shortages. Further research should explore ways to maximize the clinical relevance and cost-effectiveness of these interventions. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2300072909.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jojo Yan Yan Kwok
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Da Jiang
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Dannii Yuen-lan Yeung
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Namkee G. Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Rainbow Tin Hung Ho
- Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Lisa Marie Warner
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kee-Lee Chou
- Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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Bodner E, Segev A, Chernitsky R, Barak Y. Playing Kioku Reduces Loneliness in Older Adults: A Pilot Study. Games Health J 2024. [PMID: 38808474 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2023.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Playing together increases social connectedness, and it may be a tool to reduce loneliness. Research into the mental health benefits of board games is underdeveloped. Objectives: The study aims to examine the effects of the Kioku board game on well-being outcomes. The Kioku board game was developed in order to enable small group interactions with a focus on encouraging participants to create stories through mutual attention and interaction. We hypothesized that following a weekly intervention for 12 weeks, players would report a decrease in loneliness and an increase in well-being, compared with nonplayers. Methods: During the summer of 2022, participants in groups of 4-5 players, chose a cube word and narrated a story. A sample of 151 older adults (Mean age = 75.05 ± 6.46 years) recruited from seven community activity centers in Israel was assigned by block randomization to an intervention (n = 72) or a control group (n = 79), awaiting 4-6 weeks for future participation. Loneliness (UCLA loneliness scale) and well-being (World Health Organization 5-item scale) were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: A two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (Group × Time) controlling for age, country of origin, and marital status revealed significant interaction effects for loneliness [F(1, 146) = 178.04, n2 = 0.549, P < 0.001] and well-being [F(1, 146) = 69.14, n2 = 0.321, P < 0.001]. Loneliness decreased in the intervention group (mean difference: 0.62 points, P < 0.001), and increased in the control group (mean difference: 0.18 points, P = 0.001). Well-being increased in the intervention group (mean difference: 0.79 points, P < 0.001) and decreased in the control group (mean difference: 0.20 points, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings support the effectiveness of the Kioku board game intervention for decreasing loneliness and promoting well-being in older adults, who might still be coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Bodner
- Department of Social and Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | | | - Yoram Barak
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Li LW, Hu RX, Foulk M. Feasibility of a Telephone-Delivered Group Meditation Intervention for Chronically Ill Socially Isolated Older Adults. Clin Gerontol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38739364 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2024.2351494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This pilot study assessed the feasibility of a group-based telephone-delivered meditation intervention to reduce social isolation in older adults. It included weekly training sessions and daily practices of loving-kindness meditation in small groups via telephone conferences for six weeks and an extended group meditation practice for another six weeks. METHODS Community-living older adults (age 60+) with multiple chronic conditions and experiencing social isolation were recruited. Each participant was assessed at the pretest, posttest, and follow-up (6 and 12 weeks after pretest). Outcome measures included social interaction, loneliness, and depressive symptoms. Open-ended questions were asked in the posttest and follow-up. RESULTS Sixteen individuals enrolled, and fourteen completed the program (87.5% retention). Completers showed high levels of adherence (95% attendance to training) and acceptability and a statistically significant increase in social interaction at follow-up. Qualitative data suggest that participants experienced changes in emotion regulation, motivation and confidence, and sense of belonging. CONCLUSIONS A group-based telephone-delivered meditation intervention targeting chronically ill older adults who experience social isolation is technically feasible, very acceptable, and potentially beneficial to them. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Older adults enjoy learning meditation. Telephone conferencing is a low-cost tool for engaging socially isolated older adults in social interactions and group meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Wailing Li
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rita Xiaochen Hu
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mariko Foulk
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Guo M, Xu S, He X, He J, Yang H, Zhang L. Decoding emotional resilience in aging: unveiling the interplay between daily functioning and emotional health. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1391033. [PMID: 38694972 PMCID: PMC11061423 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1391033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background EPs pose significant challenges to individual health and quality of life, attracting attention in public health as a risk factor for diminished quality of life and healthy life expectancy in middle-aged and older adult populations. Therefore, in the context of global aging, meticulous exploration of the factors behind emotional issues becomes paramount. Whether ADL can serve as a potential marker for EPs remains unclear. This study aims to provide new evidence for ADL as an early predictor of EPs through statistical analysis and validation using machine learning algorithms. Methods Data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) national baseline survey, comprising 9,766 samples aged 45 and above, were utilized. ADL was assessed using the BI, while the presence of EPs was evaluated based on the record of "Diagnosed with Emotional Problems by a Doctor" in CHARLS data. Statistical analyses including independent samples t-test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted using SPSS 25.0. Machine learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), and Logistic Regression (LR), were implemented using Python 3.10.2. Results Population demographic analysis revealed a significantly lower average BI score of 65.044 in the "Diagnosed with Emotional Problems by a Doctor" group compared to 85.128 in the "Not diagnosed with Emotional Problems by a Doctor" group. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between ADL and EPs (r = -0.165, p < 0.001). Iterative analysis using stratified multiple linear regression across three different models demonstrated the persistent statistical significance of the negative correlation between ADL and EPs (B = -0.002, β = -0.186, t = -16.476, 95% CI = -0.002, -0.001, p = 0.000), confirming its stability. Machine learning algorithms validated our findings from statistical analysis, confirming the predictive accuracy of ADL for EPs. The area under the curve (AUC) for the three models were SVM-AUC = 0.700, DT-AUC = 0.742, and LR-AUC = 0.711. In experiments using other covariates and other covariates + BI, the overall prediction level of machine learning algorithms improved after adding BI, emphasizing the positive effect of ADL on EPs prediction. Conclusion This study, employing various statistical methods, identified a negative correlation between ADL and EPs, with machine learning algorithms confirming this finding. Impaired ADL increases susceptibility to EPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhua Guo
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Songyang Xu
- School of Mechatronics and Energy Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaofang He
- Nursing Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiawei He
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Quan L, Xu S, Xu H, Chen F, Wu S, Zhu J, Liu S, Su T. Depression, anxiety, lower sleep quality and social support in square cabin hospitals during Shanghai's COVID-19 lockdown, China. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1339774. [PMID: 38374973 PMCID: PMC10875048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1339774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate and compare the associated factors of depression, anxiety, and other psychological differences between patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 quarantined in square cabin hospitals (SCH) and isolation wards (IW) in China. Methods Cluster sampling method was performed during Shanghai's Two-Month Lockdown in 2022. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Depression subscale (HADS-D), 7-tiem Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) were used to investigate psychological differences. Results The HADS-D and GAD-7 scores of SCH patients were significantly higher than those in IW (p < 0.001; p = 0.0295). Sleep latency (SCH-IW = -3.76, p < 0.001), sleep duration (SCH-IW = -2.22, p < 0.05), habitual sleep efficiency (SCH-IW = -4.11, p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (SCH-IW = -3.59, p < 0.001) and use of sleep medication (SCH-IW = -5.18, p < 0.001) of SCH patients were significantly worse. Depression was the main emotional problem of quarantined patients. Patients in SCH had lower social support. Sleep disorders and the lowest oxygen saturation ≤ 93% were risk factors for depression, while social support and child status were protective factors. Myalgia and constipation were risk factors for anxiety, while marital status was the protective factor. Conclusion Patients quarantined in SCH had higher risks of depression and anxiety, lower sleep quality and social support. Somatic discomfort and sleep disorders exacerbated depression and anxiety, which could be ameliorated by social support and taken into consideration in future SCH construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Quan
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Xu
- Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyong Wu
- Department of Military Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suxuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital) of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Su
- Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Coll-Planas L, Carbó-Cardeña A, Jansson A, Dostálová V, Bartova A, Rautiainen L, Kolster A, Masó-Aguado M, Briones-Buixassa L, Blancafort-Alias S, Roqué-Figuls M, Sachs AL, Casajuana C, Siebert U, Rochau U, Puntscher S, Holmerová I, Pitkala KH, Litt JS. Nature-based social interventions to address loneliness among vulnerable populations: a common study protocol for three related randomized controlled trials in Barcelona, Helsinki, and Prague within the RECETAS European project. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:172. [PMID: 38218784 PMCID: PMC10787456 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative effects of loneliness on population health and wellbeing requires interventions that transcend the medical system and leverage social, cultural, and public health system resources. Group-based social interventions are a potential method to alleviate loneliness. Moreover, nature, as part of our social and health infrastructure, may be an important part of the solutions that are needed to address loneliness. The RECETAS European project H2020 (Re-imagining Environments for Connection and Engagement: Testing Actions for Social Prescribing in Natural Spaces) is an international research project aiming to develop and test the effectiveness of nature-based social interventions to reduce loneliness and increase health-related quality of life. METHODS This article describes the three related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that will be implemented: the RECETAS-BCN Trial in Barcelona (Spain) is targeting people 18+ from low socio-economic urban areas; the RECETAS-PRG Trial in Prague (Czech Republic) is addressing community-dwelling older adults over 60 years of age, and the RECETAS-HLSNK trial is reaching older people in assisted living facilities. Each trial will recruit 316 adults suffering from loneliness at least sometimes and randomize them to nature-based social interventions called "Friends in Nature" or to the control group. "Friends in Nature" uses modifications of the "Circle of Friends" methodology based on group processes of peer support and empowerment but including activities in nature. Participants will be assessed at baseline, at post-intervention (3 months), and at 6- and 12-month follow-up after baseline. Primary outcomes are the health-related quality-of-life according to 15D measure and The De Jong Gierveld 11-item loneliness scale. Secondary outcomes are health and psychosocial variables tailored to the specific target population. Nature exposure will be collected throughout the intervention period. Process evaluation will explore context, implementation, and mechanism of impact. Additionally, health economic evaluations will be performed. DISCUSSION The three RECETAS trials will explore the effectiveness of nature-based social interventions among lonely people from various ages, social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. RECETAS meets the growing need of solid evidence for programs addressing loneliness by harnessing the beneficial impact of nature on enhancing wellbeing and social connections. TRIAL REGISTRATION Barcelona (Spain) trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05488496. Registered 29 July 2022. Prague (Czech Republic) trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05522140. Registered August 25, 2022. Helsinki (Finland) trial: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05507684. Registered August 12, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Coll-Planas
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Aina Carbó-Cardeña
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Anu Jansson
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vladimira Dostálová
- Charles University, Faculty of Humanities - Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-Term Care, Pátkova 2137/5, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alzbeta Bartova
- Charles University, Faculty of Humanities - Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-Term Care, Pátkova 2137/5, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Rautiainen
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Kolster
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services, Health Services, Espoo, Finland
| | - Montse Masó-Aguado
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O). Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Laia Briones-Buixassa
- Innovation in Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Research group (ISAMBES), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Sergi Blancafort-Alias
- Fundació Salut i Envelliment UAB, Casa Convalescència UAB C/ Sant Antoni M. Claret, 171, 4a planta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Roqué-Figuls
- Fundació Salut i Envelliment UAB, Casa Convalescència UAB C/ Sant Antoni M. Claret, 171, 4a planta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ashby Lavelle Sachs
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) Doctor Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Casajuana
- Subdirecció General d'Addiccions, VIH, ITS i Hepatitis Víriques. Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Carrer de Roc Boronat, 81-95, 08005, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Uwe Siebert
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT TIROL - University for Health Sciences and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
- Center for Health Decision Science, Departments of Epidemiology and Health Policy & Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ursula Rochau
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT TIROL - University for Health Sciences and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Sibylle Puntscher
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT TIROL - University for Health Sciences and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Iva Holmerová
- Charles University, Faculty of Humanities - Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-Term Care, Pátkova 2137/5, 182 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kaisu H Pitkala
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki, PO BOX 20, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jill S Litt
- Fundació Salut i Envelliment UAB, Casa Convalescència UAB C/ Sant Antoni M. Claret, 171, 4a planta, Barcelona, Spain.
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) Doctor Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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Clift S, Grebosz-Haring K, Thun-Hohenstein L, Schuchter-Wiegand AK, Bathke A, Kaasgaard M. The need for robust critique of arts and health research: the treatment of the Gene Cohen et al. (2006) paper on singing, wellbeing and health in subsequent evidence reviews. Arts Health 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38180011 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2023.2290075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper considers weaknesses in a study by Cohen et al. (2006) on the impacts of community singing on health. These include high demand characteristics, lack of attention to attrition, flawed statistical analysis, and measurement. Nevertheless, the study is uncritically cited, in evidence reviews, with findings taken at face value. METHODS Google Scholar, SCOPUS and BASE citation functions for Cohen et al. identified 32 evidence reviews in peer-reviewed journals. Eleven of these reviews, published between 2010 and 2023, focused on creative arts interventions. RESULTS We demonstrate limitations in the Cohen et al. research which undermine the conclusions they reach regarding the health benefits of group singing. Subsequent evidence reviews take the findings at face value and offer little critical commentary. DISCUSSION We consider what is needed to improve evidence reviews in the field of creative arts and health research. CONCLUSIONS A more robust approach is needed in reviewing research evidence in the field of arts and health. The Cohen et al. paper is not suitable for inclusion in future evidence reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Clift
- Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
| | - Katarzyna Grebosz-Haring
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg/University Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Leonhard Thun-Hohenstein
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Arne Bathke
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mette Kaasgaard
- Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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