HALO: Study protocol for a single-case experimental design study evaluating the moderating impact of a befriending intervention on the association between loneliness and health in older adults

Hannigan, Caoimhe, Hanly, Paul, Kee, Frank, Lawlor, Brian, Holton, Eimile, Walsh, Cathal, Scharf, Thomas, Coen, Robert, Leatham, Vicky, Moynihan, Sean, Lane, Keith and Power, Joanna McHugh (2022) HALO: Study protocol for a single-case experimental design study evaluating the moderating impact of a befriending intervention on the association between loneliness and health in older adults. HRB Open Research, 3 (60). ISSN 2515-4826

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Abstract

Background:
Loneliness in later life is often addressed with befriending interventions, yet evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Meanwhile it is known that loneliness has a deleterious impact on health. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether a befriending service for older adults mitigates the impact of loneliness on health outcomes, and to identify mechanisms through which befriending interventions might impact upon health.

Methods:
A mixed methods design is used. The quantitative component utilises an AB single-case experimental design, to gather intensive longitudinal data. These data will be analysed using a generalised additive modelling approach. The qualitative component of the study uses semi-structured dyadic interviews, structured and analysed according to the principles of constructivist grounded theory. Findings will then be triangulated according to an existing mixed methods integration protocol.

Discussion:
This mixed methods design has the potential to inform national and international policy in relation to befriending interventions for older adults. In addition, there is the potential for study results to inform our theoretical understanding of the nature of the relationship between loneliness and health.

Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04301167 (10th March 2020). Protocol version 1.1, 26th June 2020.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Loneliness; mixed methods; befriending; social support; older adults; single-case experimental design; generalised additive models; grounded theory
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Cognitive psychology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > Welfare of older people
Divisions:	School of Business > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2022 10:56
Last Modified:	25 Apr 2022 13:14
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5586

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