Randomized Controlled Trial on the Impact of Befriending on Depression, Anxiety, Loneliness, and Social Support in Older People in Aged Care.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the impact of befriending on depression, anxiety, perceived social support and loneliness in older people living in residential aged care homes.

METHODS

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial compared depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), anxiety symptoms (Geriatric Anxiety Inventory), loneliness (UCLA loneliness scale), and perceived social support (Lubben Social Network Scale) measured at baseline, 8 weeks and 16 weeks post baseline for people randomized to receive either befriending or usual care. Trial registration ANZCTR N12619000676112.

RESULTS

Among N = 345 participants, a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for people receiving befriending compared to the control group: 0.76 points lower on GDS at 8 weeks and 0.95 lower at 16 weeks (Cohen's d = -0.458). Loneliness (UCLA) was 2.39 units lower than the control group at 8 weeks and 2.71 units lower at 16 weeks (Cohen's d -0.481). There was no significant difference for anxiety symptoms or perceived social support.

CONCLUSIONS

Befriending led to a small improvement in depressive symptoms and loneliness in older people living in residential aged care.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The improvement in depressive symptoms and loneliness indicates that befriending may be a useful supplement to psychological services for those living in residential aged care.