Online PEACE coffee groups for families with autism and eating disorders during the Covid-19 pandemic

Oakley, Madeleine; Biggs, Camilla; Carr, Anna; Toloza, Cindy; Tchanturia, Kate

doi:10.53841/bpscpf.2021.1.343.56

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Although qualitative research has explored participant experiences of peer support groups for parents of children with EDs (Grennan et al, 2022;Oakley et al, 2021), this is the first study to demonstrate that vPLPSGs are a feasible intervention, associated with strong acceptability and promising preliminary effectiveness for this parent population.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Participants provided various recommendations for future implementation of this intervention, including greater specificity when allocating parents to groups (e.g., grouping participants based on child's ED type, duration of ED, or geographical location). With the exception of a recent report on EDs with comorbid ASD (Oakley et al, 2021), this qualitative study is the only report on parental perceptions of parent-led support groups for parents of children with EDs. However, a rigorous assessment using qualitative and quantitative methods focused on the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of this intervention is still necessary to corroborate this qualitative work; this is the focus of the current report.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…This is a particularly worthwhile area of research, given that parental self‐efficacy has been associated with better outcomes for children with EDs (Robinson et al, 2013). There is one qualitative report that demonstrates the benefits of a spontaneously‐initiated peer‐led support group for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and EDs early on during the COVID‐19 pandemic (Oakley et al, 2021). These study findings, combined with the significant increase in ED prevalence and severity during the COVID‐19 pandemic among youth (Agostino et al, 2021; Devoe et al, 2022), highlight the importance of studying parent‐led support groups for parents of children with EDs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Virtual parent‐led peer support groups for parents of children with eating disorders: A mixed methods feasibility study

Nicula

Grennan

Loewen³

et al. 2023

Intl J Eating Disorders

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ObjectiveTo examine the feasibility of a virtual parent‐led peer support group (vPLPSG) intervention for parents of children with eating disorders (EDs).MethodsForty‐four parents were invited to attend 2‐h‐long vPLPSG sessions every other week for 6 months. A convergent mixed methods design was used to integrate quantitative survey data (collected at three timepoints and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA) and qualitative interview data (collected at 6 months and analyzed using content analysis) to assess intervention feasibility. Feasibility was comprised of acceptability (e.g., recruitment and retention rates, desire to continue attending the groups) and preliminary effectiveness (e.g., change in parents’ self‐reported burden).ResultsThe recruitment rate (67%), retention rate (77%), and attendance rate (60%) demonstrated adequate acceptability. All parents expressed their recommendation of this group to other parents, and most wanted to continue attending vPLPSG sessions. Participants qualitatively reported less isolation and burden as well as improvements in skills and confidence to manage their child's symptoms. These preliminary effectiveness findings were corroborated by quantitative data, with participants reporting a significant decrease in burden [mean difference (MD) = 6.61; p < .004], increase in confidence (MD = 11.17; p < .001), and decrease in unmet needs (MD = 5.03; p < .001) from baseline to 6‐months.DiscussionThe vPLPSG intervention demonstrated feasibility with respect to acceptability and improvements in preliminary parental outcomes. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention using a larger, more diverse sample.Public SignificanceDedicated efforts to support caregivers, such as through virtual parent‐led peer support groups, have the potential to increase confidence and decrease burden for parents managing their child's eating disorder.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Virtual parent‐led peer support groups for parents of children with eating disorders: A mixed methods feasibility study

Nicula

Grennan

Loewen³

et al. 2023

Intl J Eating Disorders

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“I’m not alone”: a qualitative report of experiences among parents of children with eating disorders attending virtual parent-led peer support groups

et al. 2022

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Background The treatment for children with eating disorders (EDs) requires extensive involvement of parents. The parents of children with EDs have voiced a need for greater support, including connecting with other parents with lived experience of caring for a child with an ED. We aimed to qualitatively explore parental experiences of these groups, including their benefits and areas for improvement. Methods This study examined the delivery of four virtual parent-led peer support groups in Ontario, Canada for parents of children with EDs with approximately 10 parent participants per group and two parent facilitators leading each group. Parents (n = 44) were asked to attend 12 bi-weekly support group sessions over 6 months, and then complete an individual end-of-study qualitative interview. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis, following the qualitative description design. Results Thirty-six parents completed the end-of-study qualitative interview. Participants shared their experiences and impressions related to the group’s structure and content. Notable helpful aspects of the group included being able to receive support from those with similar experiences, access to education and resources about EDs, and being able to support others. Suggestions for improvements were made, which included organizing groups according to the child’s ED diagnosis or duration of illness. Conclusion The findings indicate that this intervention is acceptable to parents and is perceived as helpful. Future research is needed to strengthen this support group model and to study its effects for parents in different settings and for parents of children with various EDs. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04686864.

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Online PEACE coffee groups for families with autism and eating disorders during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic posed many challenges for carers who are supporting people with comorbid eating disorders and autism. This project explored carers’ perceptions of an online peer-led carers’ group which aimed to provide support during the UK lockdowns in 2020.

Cited by 2 publications

References 6 publications

Virtual parent‐led peer support groups for parents of children with eating disorders: A mixed methods feasibility study

Virtual parent‐led peer support groups for parents of children with eating disorders: A mixed methods feasibility study

“I’m not alone”: a qualitative report of experiences among parents of children with eating disorders attending virtual parent-led peer support groups

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