title: Measures of Patient Activation and Social Support in a Peer-Led Support Network for Women With Cardiovascular Disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Social support has been associated with beneficial effects on many disease states and overall health and well-being. However, there is limited research exploring the impact of peer-led support models among women living with coronary heart disease. This study describes the structure of peer-led support groups offered by WomenHeart (WH): The National Coalition for Women Living with Heart Disease, and assesses WH participants' quality of life and social, emotional, and physical health.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from 50 WH groups. A 70-item online survey was administered, and the main analytic sample included 157 women. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between patient activation levels (lower activation levels: 1, 2 vs higher activation levels: 3, 4) and social support scores (range: lowest 8 to highest 34), adjusting for age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High levels of social support, patient activation, physical activity, and low levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were reported. Those who were at or above the median for the social support measures (indicating high levels of social support) had greater odds of high levels of patient activation (level 3 or 4) than individuals reporting low levels of social support (OR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.04-4.76; P = .012).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women who regularly attended a support group by a trained peer leader were highly engaged in their health care and had low levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. These findings lend credibility to the value of the peer support model and could potentially be replicated in other disease states to enhance patient care.
authors: Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Dr Witt and Ms Benson); WomenHeart, Washington, District of Columbia (Ms Campbell); Allina Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Mr Sillah); and The LifeCare Company, Menlo Park, California (Ms Berra).
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Witt
authors: Gretchen
authors: G
authors: Benson
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Campbell
authors: Arthur
authors: A
authors: Sillah
authors: Kathy
authors: K
authors: Berra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010379:Peer Group; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult