A peer-based intervention to reduce the social isolation of older Chinese immigrants in Canada
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN14572069 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil Known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil Known |
| Protocol serial number | Nil Known |
| Sponsor | Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| Funder | Institute of Active Aging Internal Research Fund |
- 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
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
Scientific
Department of Applied Social Sciences
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom
Kowloon
Hong Kong
000000
Hong Kong
 ORCID ID |
0000-0001-6365-3189 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +852 3400-3018 |
| d.lai@polyu.edu.hk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomized controlled trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | A randomized controlled trial of a peer-based intervention to reduce older Chinese immigrants' social isolation in Canada |
| Study objectives | The 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) studied | Social isolation and loneliness |
| Intervention | Each 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 type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Measured at baseline and week 10: |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Measured at baseline and week 10: |
| Completion date | 31/12/2018 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Healthy volunteer |
|---|---|
| Age group | Senior |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 60 |
| Total final enrolment | 60 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Aged 65 years or above 2. Independent in activities of daily living 3. Experiencing social isolation or lack of social support |
| Key exclusion criteria | Clinically diagnosed with a mental disorder or cognitive impairment |
| Date of first enrolment | 15/06/2018 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/09/2018 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Canada
Study participating centre
Calgary
T2P 4Y8
Canada
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan | The 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 |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
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.
