Victoria M Leavitt1, Claire S Riley2, Philip L De Jager3, Sharonna Bloom2. 1. Translational Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. 2. Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. 3. Multiple Sclerosis Center and Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Loneliness is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are at increased risk for loneliness. Support groups facilitate meaningful social connections. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a feasibility trial of eSupport: online support groups. METHODS:Participants engaged in 1 hour/week eSupport or eJournal (active control). Primary outcome was feasibility (completion and adherence). We evaluated loneliness and depressive symptoms for preliminary efficacy. RESULTS: Feasibility outcomes were met: completion rate was 96.4%; 88.9% were adherent. Loneliness and depression showed trend-level decreases in both conditions. CONCLUSION: Feasibility of telehealth support group participation for pwMS was supported. eSupport is accessible, affordable, acceptable, and scalable. Results warrant a randomized controlled trial to support efficacy.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Loneliness is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are at increased risk for loneliness. Support groups facilitate meaningful social connections. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a feasibility trial of eSupport: online support groups. METHODS:Participants engaged in 1 hour/week eSupport or eJournal (active control). Primary outcome was feasibility (completion and adherence). We evaluated loneliness and depressive symptoms for preliminary efficacy. RESULTS: Feasibility outcomes were met: completion rate was 96.4%; 88.9% were adherent. Loneliness and depression showed trend-level decreases in both conditions. CONCLUSION: Feasibility of telehealth support group participation for pwMS was supported. eSupport is accessible, affordable, acceptable, and scalable. Results warrant a randomized controlled trial to support efficacy.
Entities:
Keywords:
Multiple sclerosis; depression; loneliness; social networks; social support
Authors: Seth N Levin; Shruthi Venkatesh; Katie E Nelson; Yi Li; Ines Aguerre; Wen Zhu; Karman Masown; Kathryn T Rimmer; Claudiu I Diaconu; Kaho B Onomichi; Victoria M Leavitt; Libby L Levine; Rebecca Strauss-Farber; Wendy S Vargas; Brenda Banwell; Amit Bar-Or; Joseph R Berger; Andrew D Goodman; Erin E Longbrake; Jiwon Oh; Bianca Weinstock-Guttman; Kiran T Thakur; Keith R Edwards; Claire S Riley; Zongqi Xia; Philip L De Jager Journal: Ann Clin Transl Neurol Date: 2021-02-22 Impact factor: 5.430