A peer-based intervention to reduce the social isolation of older Chinese immigrants in Canada

ISRCTN ISRCTN14572069
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069
EudraCT/CTIS number Nil Known
ClinicalTrials.gov number Nil Known
Secondary identifying numbers Nil Known
Submission date
17/12/2019
Registration date
23/12/2019
Last edited
23/09/2020
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
There has been an increasing number of older Chinese immigrants in Canada, just as in other popular immigration destination countries such as the US, Australia, and New Zealand. They are at greater risk of social isolation and loneliness due to factors such as cultural barriers and adaptation difficulties. The aim of this study is to find out whether a peer-based intervention is effective at reducing older Chinese immigrants' social isolation and improving their psychosocial well-being.

Who can participate?
People aged 65 years or older, who are independent and experiencing isolation or lack of social support.

What does the study involve?
Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The intervention group participants received two-on-one peer support services through home visits, telephone calls, emotional support, self-care, problem-solving, referrals to mental health and community resources, for an eight week period. The control group received no additional support.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The intervention may increase social support and positive ties among older Chinese immigrants, especially those at greater risk of social isolation, bridge formal and informal support, and strengthen helping skills and knowledge of community helpers in terms of mental health and aging.

Where is the study run from?
Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens Association, Canada

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
August 2018 to December 2018

Who is funding the study?
Institute of Active Aging, Hong Kong

Who is the main contact?
Prof. Daniel W. L. Lai
d.lai@polyu.edu.hk

Contact information

Prof Daniel W. L. Lai
Scientific

Department of Applied Social Sciences
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom
Kowloon
Hong Kong
000000
Hong Kong

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0001-6365-3189
Phone +852 3400-3018
Email d.lai@polyu.edu.hk

Study information

Study designRandomized controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Community
Study typeQuality of life
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use contact details to request a participant information sheet
Scientific titleA randomized controlled trial of a peer-based intervention to reduce older Chinese immigrants' social isolation in Canada
Study objectivesThe peer-based intervention is effective in reducing older Chinese immigrants' social isolation and improving their psychosocial well-being.
Ethics approval(s)Approval 06/06/2018, Human Subjects Ethics Application Review System of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Room Z404, 4/F, Block Z, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Tel: +852 (0)27664329; Email: cherrie.mok@polyu.edu.hk), ref: HSEARS20180528003
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedSocial isolation and loneliness
InterventionEach intervention group participant received two-on-one peer support services through home visits, telephone calls, and activities such as emotional support, referrals, help to establish goals such as self-care and social engagement, problem-solving, and mental health and community resources. Peer supporters also shared personal experiences with participants. Intervention group participants were invited to attend two monthly peer support group meetings organized by a trained staff program coordinator with professional training in social work and a Registered Social Worker, where they met with other participants and peer supporters, intended to help them develop strong, supportive, and sustainable social connections with other older people.

Control group participants only received brief telephone calls from the program coordinator over an eight-week period.

The duration of the intervention lasts for 8 weeks. The pre- and the post-test were conducted one week before and after the intervention. A range of psychosocial outcomes including loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation, depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life were measured prior to and after the intervention.
Intervention typeBehavioural
Primary outcome measureMeasured at baseline and week 10:
1. Loneliness (De Jong Loneliness Scale-6)
2. Social support (Lubben Social Network scale (LSNS)
3. Social participation (the Keele Assessment of Participation)
Secondary outcome measuresMeasured at baseline and week 10:
1. Life satisfaction (‘In general, how satisfied are you with your life?’)
2. Depression (General Depression Scale, GDS-4)
3. Resilience (two-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, CD-RISC 2)
4. Purpose in life (the seven-item subscale of Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale)
Overall study start date01/06/2018
Completion date31/12/2018

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Healthy volunteer
Age groupSenior
SexBoth
Target number of participants60
Total final enrolment60
Key inclusion criteria1. Aged 65 years or above
2. Independent in activities of daily living
3. Experiencing social isolation or lack of social support
Key exclusion criteriaClinically diagnosed with a mental disorder or cognitive impairment
Date of first enrolment15/06/2018
Date of final enrolment01/09/2018

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Canada

Study participating centre

Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens Association
111 Riverfront Ave SW
Calgary
T2P 4Y8
Canada

Sponsor information

Hong Kong Polytechnic University
University/education

Hung Hom
Kowloon
Hong Kong
000000
Hong Kong

Phone +852 34003018
Email dhiaa@polyu.edu.hk
Website http://www.polyu.edu.hk/web/en/home/index.html
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/0030zas98

Funders

Funder type

Charity

Institute of Active Aging Internal Research Fund

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date01/06/2020
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryAvailable on request
Publication and dissemination planThe results of the trial are planned to be published in a gerontological journal in 2020. The study protocol will be available upon request. The statistical analysis plan is stated in the manuscript which is going to be submitted to an academic journal.
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article results 21/09/2020 23/09/2020 Yes No

Editorial Notes

23/09/2020: Publication reference and total final enrolment number added.
03/02/2020: The following changes have been made:
1. The recruitment start date has been changed from 01/07/2018 to 15/06/2018.
2. The public title has been changed from "A peer-based intervention to reduce social isolation of older Chinese immigrants in Canada" to "A peer-based intervention to reduce the social isolation of older Chinese immigrants in Canada".
3. The scientific title has been changed from "Randomized controlled trial of a peer-based intervention to reduce older Chinese immigrants' social isolation in Canada" to "A randomized controlled trial of a peer-based intervention to reduce older Chinese immigrants' social isolation in Canada".
20/12/2019: Trial's existence confirmed by Human Subjects Ethics Application Review System of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.