Psychosocial Interventions and Wellbeing in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: A number of studies, including systematic reviews, show beneficial effects of psychosocial interventions for people with diabetes mellitus; however, they have not been assessed using meta-analysis. The purpose of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials is to investigate the effects of psychosocial interventions on depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life and self-efficacy in individuals with diabetes mellitus.Methods: The databases Pubmed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and SocINDEX were searched with no year restriction. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials published in English that included individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, aged 18 years or above, who engaged in a psychosocial intervention, with outcome measures addressing depressive or anxiety symptomology, quality of life or self-efficacy. Eligible studies needed to compare the intervention to usual care. Study selection was completed using Covidence and meta-analysis was undertaken using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.Results: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Five studies investigated the effects of psychosocial interventions and showed a medium to large benefit for depressive symptoms (SMD: −0.70; CI: −1.27, −0.13) which persisted at follow up (SMD: −1.54, CI: −2.97, −0.12). Similar results were not seen immediately post-intervention in the three studies that assessed anxiety symptoms (SMD: −0.30; CI: −0.69, 0.10); however, a medium beneficial effect was seen at follow up (SMD = −0.61, CI = −0.92 to −0.31). Small benefits were seen in the three studies assessing quality of life outcomes (SMD: 0.30, CI: 0.06, 0.55). No benefit was seen in the two studies assessing self-efficacy (SMD: 0.23, CI: −0.11, 0.57).Conclusions: The results of the current study provide preliminary evidence that psychosocial interventions, compared to usual care, reduce depressive symptoms, and may improve quality of life in individuals with diabetes. However, only a few studies were included and the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

The benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices during times of crisis such as COVID-19

“…These are natural sequelae of existing in the time of a global pandemic of what will be an uncertain duration. Systematic reviews of meditation-based tools such as meditation using focused attention, MBSR and MBCT have shown reduced anxiety (Montero-Marin et al 2019), depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (Khusid & Vythilingam, 2016), stress (Juul et al 2020), blood pressure, cortisol levels and other physiologic markers of stress (Pascoe et al 2017). Having a regular meditation practice can benefit people working in the health service (Lomas et al 2018) in addition to the benefits for patients, the general population and those with preexisting mental illness.…”

Psychosocial interventions for stroke survivors, carers and survivor-carer dyads: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…5 There remains some debate about how to define psychosocial interventions. 5,[8][9][10] None-the-less, we maintain that psychosocial interventions must contain both psychological and social components 5 and ensured that the included trials reflected this definition.…”

“…family counseling, service links), often measured by sub-scales or questions within validated quality of life scales. 7 Recent reviews of psychosocial interventions consistent with this definition for coronary heart disease, 8 chronic kidney disease 9 and diabetes 10 have been shown to reduce depression and anxiety. 5 This is the first review to examine the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for stroke survivors, carers and survior-carer dyads.…”

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