Examining the Post-Discharge Effects of Supportive Text Messaging and Peer Support: No Significant Improvements in Mental Health Recovery or Quality of Life
E. Owusu, W. Mao, R. Shalaby, H. E. Elgendy, B. Agyapong, E. Eboreime, M. A. Lawal, N. Nnamdi, P. Chue, A. J. Greenshaw, V. I. O. AgyapongIntroduction
The transition from psychiatric hospitalization to community living is often marked by stress and emotional challenges. discharged from acute mental health facilities in Alberta.
Objectives
This study examined the impact of supportive text messages (Text4Support) and peer support services (PSS) on resilience, personal recovery, and quality of life in individuals
Methods
Participants (N = 1,098) were allocated to three groups: Treatment as Usual (TAU, 40%), Supportive Text Messages (SMS, 49.3%), and Peer Support + SMS (PSS, 10.7%). Outcome measures included the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS), and Quality-of-Life assessments, analyzed using chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and ANCOVA.
Results
Only 34% completed at least one follow-up, with 15% completing the 6-month evaluation. No significant differences were found between the TAU and intervention groups at the 6-month mark.
Conclusions
These findings suggest limited evidence for the effectiveness of SMS or PS in improving outcomes over six months, though the low follow-up rate may limit generalizability. Future research should explore the conditions that optimize intervention effectiveness and examine differences between respondents and non-respondents to assess potential long-term benefits.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared