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Enhancing Social Support Among People with Cardiovascular Disease: a Systematic Scoping Review

  • Psychological Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases (A Steptoe, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The presence of social support is a major determinant of positive health outcomes among people with cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, little is known about the most effective strategies for enhancing social support among this population. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the effectiveness of interventions seeking to enhance social support among people living with CVD and synthesize the evidence.

Recent Findings

A systematic search for articles that (a) reported on interventions which may enhance social support and (b) included a measure of social support revealed 21 studies. Interventions to enhance social support were diverse and included cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, peer support, and multi-faceted cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Most studies were of fair to good quality according to the PEDro criteria. With the exception of caregiver-oriented interventions, few studies reported significant changes in social support measures.

Summary

Early evidence suggests that caregiver-oriented strategies may offer a promising avenue for enhancing social support; however, more research of higher quality is required to determine the optimal strategies to enhance support among those living with CVD.

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Funding

B.M Sakakibara is supported by a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar Award.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vancouver Fraser Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

    Cam Clayton

  2. Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention & Management, Southern Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada

    Catrin Motley & Brodie Sakakibara

  3. Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

    Brodie Sakakibara

  4. Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention & Management, Southern Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 1088 Discovery Road, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada

    Brodie Sakakibara

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  1. Cam Clayton
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Correspondence to Brodie Sakakibara.

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C.T. Clayton, C. Motley, and B.M. Sakakibara declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Clayton, C., Motley, C. & Sakakibara, B. Enhancing Social Support Among People with Cardiovascular Disease: a Systematic Scoping Review. Curr Cardiol Rep 21, 123 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1216-7

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