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Id 821
Author Fancourt D., Warran K., Finn S., Wiseman T.
Title Psychosocial singing interventions for the mental health and well-being of family carers of patients with cancer: Results from a longitudinal controlled study
Reference
Fancourt D., Warran K., Finn S., Wiseman T.; Psychosocial singing interventions for the mental health and well-being of family carers of patients with cancer: Results from a longitudinal controlled study ;BMJ Open vol:9.0 issue: 8 page:

Link to article https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070629776&doi=10.1136%2fbmjopen-2018-026995&partnerID=40&md5=d5b169b3f39e750580fc593f28f683d9
Abstract Objective The mental health challenges facing people who care for somebody with cancer are well documented. While many support interventions focus on provision of information or cognitive behavioural therapy, the literature suggests that psychosocial interventions could also be of value, especially given the low social support frequently reported by carers. Singing is a psychosocial activity shown to improve social support, increase positive emotions, and reduce fatigue and stress. This study explored whether weekly group singing can reduce anxiety, depression and well-being in cancer carers over a 6-month period. Design A multisite non-randomised longitudinal controlled study. Setting The Royal Marsden National Health Service Trust in Greater London. Participants 62 adults who currently care for a spouse, relative or close friend with cancer who had not recently started any psychological therapy or medication. Interventions On enrolment, participants selected to join a weekly community choir for 12 weeks (n=33) or continue with life as usual (n=29). Outcome measures The primary outcome was mental health using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The secondary outcome was well-being using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Using linear mixed effects models, we compared the change in mental health and well-being over time between the two groups while adjusting for confounding variables including demographics, health-related variables, musical engagement and length of time caring. Results Participants in the choir group showed a significantly greater decrease in anxiety over time than participants in the control group (B=-0.94, SE=0.38, p=0.013) and a significantly greater increase in well-being (B=1.25, SE=0.49, p=0.011). No changes were found for depression. Sub-group analyses showed carers with anxiety or below-Average well-being were most likely to benefit. Conclusions This study builds on previous research showing the mental health benefits of singing for people with cancer by showing that weekly singing can also support anxiety and well-being in cancer carers. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.

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Psychosocial singing interventions for the mental health and well-being of family carers of patients with cancer: Results from a longitudinal controlled study. The secondary outcome was well-being using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Consequently this study built on the theoretical rationale for the benefits of psychosocial interventions for cancer carers and the preliminary data showing the benefits of singing specifically for carer populations and explored whether weekly singing is linked with improve- ments in anxiety depression and well-being in carers of somebody affected by cancer over a six month period. /bmjopen-- Open access Subgroup and sensitivity analyses We used subgroup analyses to test whether participants in the choir group demonstrating anxiety and/or low well-being at baseline showed improvements over the weeks compared with those in the control group. COnCluSIOnS In conclusion this study builds on previous research showing the mental health benefits of singing for people affected by cancer by showing that weekly singing may also support anxiety and well-being in carers.


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