A systematic review of peer-supported interventions for health promotion and disease prevention.
Ramchand R, Ahluwalia SC, Xenakis L, et al.
Prev Med. 2017 Aug;101:156-170. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.06.008. Epub 2017 Jun 8. (Review) PMID: 28601621
Peer support interventions are being promoted widely within mental health arena. However, the evidence for their effectiveness is rarely discussed. This comprehensive review demonstrated more null than positive effects across existing interventions. Notable exceptions included group-based interventions using peers as educators or group facilitators for improving knowledge and beliefs and dyadic peer workers for improving social health/connectedness. The authors recommend future programme designers to consider the mechanisms by which they expect peer support may influence outcomes.
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