Efficacy of psychosocial interventions on psychological outcomes among people with cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the efficacy of psychosocial interventions, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), in ameliorating psychosocial problems in people with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Results Summary
The study found that psychosocial programmes incorporating mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) helped mitigate depression and anxiety in CVD patients, with significant short-term effects but limited long-term data. Average effect sizes for depression and anxiety were moderate at post-tests (0.42 and 1.04, respectively) but diminished at follow-up assessments (0.22 and 0.65).
Population
People with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
psychosocial interventions | decrease | psychosocial problems | CVD patients | - | significant short-term effects | #1 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | stress | CVD patients | 0.34 | average effect size | #2 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | anxiety | CVD patients | 1.04 | average effect size | #3 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | depression | CVD patients | 0.42 | average effect size | #4 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | combined depression/anxiety | CVD patients | 0.67 | average effect size | #5 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | stress | CVD patients | 0.09 | average effect size | #6 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | anxiety | CVD patients | 0.65 | average effect size | #7 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | depression | CVD patients | 0.22 | average effect size | #8 |
psychosocial interventions | decrease | combined depression/anxiety | CVD patients | 0.09 | average effect size | #9 |
psychosocial programmes with psychoeducation and stress management | decrease | stress and anxiety levels | patients | - | helped reduce | #10 |
programmes including psychotherapy, counselling, mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), and stress management | decrease | depression and anxiety | - | - | helped mitigate | #11 |
OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to examine empirical evidence concerning the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in ameliorating the psychosocial problems of people with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken to identify both published and non-published English randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from 2000 to 2015. Two reviewers independently screened, assessed risks for bias, and extracted data. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used to analyse the extracted data. Hedges's g effect size was used to determine the effects of psychosocial interventions. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included in the review but only 18 studies reported significant short-term effects of psychosocial interventions in CVD patients. Most studies did not report long-term effects. Average effect sizes for stress, anxiety, depression, and combined depression/anxiety were 0.34, 1.04, 0.42 and 0.67 respectively at post-tests. Those numbers became 0.09, 0.65, 0.22 and 0.09 at follow-up assessments. Psychosocial programmes with psychoeducation and stress management helped reduce patients' stress and anxiety levels. Programmes including psychotherapy, counselling, mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), and stress management helped mitigate depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the efficacy of some psychosocial interventions in people with CVDs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers should monitor patients' psychological problems and may integrate psychosocial interventions as part of treatment plans.