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BMC Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Efficacy of path-oriented psychological self-help interventions to improve mental health of empty-nest older adults in the Community of China

Authors: Li-Na Wang, Hong Tao, Mi Wang, Hong-Wei Yu, Hong Su, Bei Wu

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

China has the world’s largest aging population and the number of empty-nest older adults is on the rise. In comparison to the aging population in general, empty-nest older adults have a lower level of subjective well-being and poorer mental health status due to a lack of emotional support from their children. The aim of this study is to conduct an empirical study to evaluate the efficacy of the ‘Path-oriented Psychological Self-help Intervention’ (P-oPSI) led by nurses on the mental health of empty-nest older adults in the community, to provide a scientific foundation for improving their quality of life.

Methods

A Quasi-Experimental controlled intervention study was conducted from 2015 to 2017.

A total of 76 empty-nest older adults from 2 districts were recruited using a convenience sampling and assigned to 2 groups based on their residential communities in the city of Chifeng in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. The wait list control group participated in a mental health lecture to gain knowledge and learn techniques of mental health promotion. The intervention group additionally received 1 month of training in a nurse-led ‘P-oPSI’ for a month. Both groups were followed-up for 3 months. Mental health status, coping styles, and psychological self-help ability of the participating empty nest older adults were assessed at the baseline, 1 month, and 3-months follow up, respectively. Two-way analysis of variance and a simple effect test were used to analyse the differences of the two groups.

Results

The P-oPSI yielded a greater benefit for the mental health status, coping styles, and psychological self-help ability of the participants in the intervention group. Combined with a simple effect test, the scores of the mental health status, positive coping style, and psychological self-help ability of those in the intervention group significantly increased at 1 month after the baseline (F _{mental health status} = 7.59, F _{positive coping style} = 7.24, F _{psychological self-help ability} = 7.07); and the sustainable effect of this program lasted for 3 months after the intervention (F _{mental health status} = 13.24, F _{positive coping style} = 10.42, F _{psychological self-help ability} = 10.45), which reached statistical significance (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The P-oPSI program significantly improved the level of mental health of empty-nest older adults in China. This intervention provides a new approach of self-management to improve mental health of older adults in community settings.

Trial registration

chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR1900025552. Retrospectively registered 1 September 2019.

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Title: Efficacy of path-oriented psychological self-help interventions to improve mental health of empty-nest older adults in the Community of China
Authors: Li-Na Wang
Hong Tao
Mi Wang
Hong-Wei Yu
Hong Su
Bei Wu
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2327-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Efficacy of path-oriented psychological self-help interventions to improve mental health of empty-nest older adults in the Community of China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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