A randomized controlled clinical trial of the effect of supportive counseling on mental health in Iranian mothers of premature infants

Background Premature birth can affect maternal mental health. Considering that the mental health disorder in mothers may play a vital role in the growth and development of their children, therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of supportive counseling on mental health (primary outcome), mother-child bonding and infant anthropometric indices (secondary outcomes) in mothers of premature infants. Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 66 mothers with hospitalized neonates in the NICU of Alzahra hospital in Tabriz- Iran. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 32) through a block randomization method. The intervention group received 6 sessions of supportive counseling (45–60 minutes each session) by the researcher, and the control group received routine care. Questionnaires of Goldberg General Health and the postpartum bonding were completed before the intervention (first 72 hours postpartum) and 8 weeks postpartum. Also, the anthropometric index of newborns were measured at the same time. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. After the intervention, based on ANCOVA with adjusting the baseline score, mean score of mental health (AMD: -9.8; 95% Confident Interval (95% CI): -12.5 to -7.1; P < 0.001) and postpartum bonding (AMD: -10.0; 95% CI: -0.6 to 13.9; P < 0.001) in the counseling group was significantly lower than those of the control group; however, in terms of weight (P = 0.536), height (P = 0.429) and head circumference (P = 0.129), there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions Supportive counseling may improve mental health and postpartum bonding in mothers of premature infants. Thus, it may be recommendable for health care providers to offer it to mothers. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N45. Date of registration: October 29, 2018.

The role of positive thinking: a study of telehealth supportive counseling for alcohol abusers

Alcohol abuse is one of the main causes of health problems in the world. In response to these alcohol-related health consequences, telehealth supportive counseling has emerged, offering new strategies of dealing with addition problems. Most of telehealth supportive counseling strategies are focused on coping more precisely with positive and negative thinking. The aim of presented study was to examine the relationships between positive thinking, and other coping strategies inherent to human thinking, to refuse alcohol. For this purpose, a total of 232 people participated in the study, all of them were users of a telehealth supportive counseling in Brazil. A batch of questionnaires was employed. This included the sociodemographic information, IDHEA-AD scores and the Coping Behaviours Inventory (CBI-20). After an analysis of mediation, the results indicated that the relationship between negative and positive thinking might be mediated by the assertiveness to refuse. These results suggest that this type of supportive counseling modality might be helpful for users and health professionals. More research is needed to examine the innumerable possibilities of the telehealth tools using as a strategy to deal with the coping variables related to quitting alcohol use.

Psychosocial resources in middle-aged and older adults with complex health care needs: results of a qualitative study

Background Older adults with multiple chronic somatic diseases are challenged by mental comorbidities and social environmental changes resulting in complex bio-psychosocial healthcare needs. Comparatively few studies have addressed the coping strategies and resources of this highly vulnerable group. This study used the INTERMED interview method as a basis to investigate the resources of home-dwelling older adults with complex health care needs. Methods Following a randomized controlled trial this qualitative study analyzed detailed notes taken by a trained psychosomatic doctor during 24 interventional supportive counseling home visits. The randomized controlled trial participants were recruited from the ESTHER cohort study, a population-based study of older adults conducted in the state of Saarland, Southwest Germany. Patients with complex health care needs identified with the INTERMED interview received the supportive counseling home visit intervention, which followed the principles of narrative-based medicine and explored the personal resources of the participants. Notes from 24 supportive counseling home visits were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results The qualitative analysis from 24 home visits identified 387 single codes, from which two main categories and 14 subcategories were derived. Participants with complex health care needs named currently available present resources and personal/long-lasting resources representing the main categories. Eight main categories were derived within the field of currently available resources that were deemed helpful to cope with the actual situation. Personal/long-lasting resources comprise statements that reflect personal experiential and attitudinal resources gained through socialization and internalization of interpersonal experiences. Conclusion The highly vulnerable group of complex patients reported many social, personal and structural resources that play significant roles in helping them to deal with their current situation. Home care professionals need skills to recognize and use the many different potential resources each client is able to access, which could enhance their well-being.