Depressive symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) predict adverse outcomes regarding e.g. cardiovascular complications. We trained women with CHD to support female peers through telephone-based counseling and tested whether depressive symptoms can be reduced, and perceived social support can be improved by the intervention over six months. 108 women with CHD and self-reported depressive or anxiety symptoms were included in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group was offered immediate telephone-based peer support for six months, while the waiting list control group received the intervention with a 6-months delay. Primary outcomes were depressive symptoms and perceived social support immediately after the intervention period and at 6-months-follow-up. 40% of the women made use of the peer support. During the first six months, both groups showed a reduction in depressive symptoms (IIG: t(169) = -1.79, p = .08; WCG: t(169) = -2.76, p = .007) and a significant improvement in social support (IIG: t(175) = 3.54, p < .001; WCG: t(175) = 3.36, p < .001). We found no significant group × time interactions. There was no influence of telephone-based peer support on depressive symptoms and social support. We discuss potential causes for both lack of specific treatment effects and the general improvement over time in both groups.
Keywords: Coronary heart disease; depression; peer support intervention; telephone-based counseling.