Effects of Pair Concordance on Engagement in a Mutual Dyadic Peer Support Intervention for Depression

Objective: Peer matching may be important for effective peer support. However, there has been limited investigation into peer matching on peer support participation. Method: 200 patients receiving outpatient depression treatment at a Veterans Affairs medical center were provided with training on how to function as a peer, a peer support manual, and access to a toll-free telephone platform to connect with their partners during the 6-month study. Dyads' contact status (1+ call during 24-week study), number of calls, and average call length were tracked. Measures of concordance were created for dyad characteristics (age, race, baseline depression severity, social support, PTSD status, medical morbidity). Results: Non-White/non-White dyads were less likely to have contact than White/White dyads (OR = .04, 95% CI [.02, .30]). Increased calls were associated with older average dyad age (p < .01) and larger age difference (p < .01). Shorter call length was associated with White/non-White matching and low/high depression matching. Limitations: Small sample size may have restricted power to detect relationships between dyad characteristics and intervention participation. Conclusions: Some peer dyad combinations may result in reduced engagement in mutual peer support interventions. Dyads containing partners with more severe depression may benefit from additional support to bolster participation.