scholarly journals Effects of a mobile health intervention on activities of stress self-management for workers: A randomized controlled trial

Author(s):  
Young Joo Lee

Abstract Background: Mobile health interventions are being widely tried because of their attractive advantages. However, there is not enough evidence for its effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile app-based stress management intervention (mSMI) on highly stressed workers. Methods: A sample of 82 white-collar workers with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10≥22) were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The mSMI consisted of three modules: self-management including a work diary, counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy and interventions focused on music, meditation, relaxation and image healings. Self-report data were collected the baseline and post-intervention. Study outcomes were perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and work engagement. Data were assessed using analysis of covariance with covariates. Results: There was significantly reduced perceived stress from baseline to 6 weeks in mSMI (t=5.788, p<.001) and control group (t=3.184, p=.003). After adjusting for covariates, the between-group difference in the perceived stress was significantly different (F=4.051, p=.048); however, the effect size was small. There was no significant intervention effect on anxiety, depression, and work engagement. The process evaluation indicated that most participants (85.3%) were satisfied with the intervention and their mental health benefited. Conclusion: This study found that mobile health intervention facilitated stress management for highly stressed workers. Further studies should address job-related outcomes and mental health symptoms in workers by applying the latest information technology and addressing the limitations of mobile interventions. Trial Registration: Not applicable.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Joo Lee

Abstract Background: Mobile health interventions are being widely tried because of their attractive advantages. However, there is not enough evidence for its effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile app-based stress management intervention (mSMI) on highly stressed workers.Methods: A sample of 82 white-collar workers with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10≥22) were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The mSMI consisted of three modules: self-management including a work diary, counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy and interventions focused on music, meditation, relaxation and image healings. Self-report data were collected the baseline and post-intervention. Study outcomes were perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and work engagement. Data were assessed using analysis of covariance with covariates.Results: There was significantly reduced perceived stress from baseline to 6 weeks in mSMI (t=5.788, p<.001) and control group (t=3.184, p=.003). After adjusting for covariates, the between-group difference in the perceived stress was significantly different (F=4.051, p=.048); however, the effect size was small. There was no significant intervention effect on anxiety, depression, and work engagement. The process evaluation indicated that most participants (85.3%) were satisfied with the intervention and their mental health benefited.Conclusion: This study found that mobile health intervention facilitated stress management for highly stressed workers. Further studies should address job-related outcomes and mental health symptoms in workers by applying the latest information technology and addressing the limitations of mobile interventions.Trial Registration: Not applicable.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Bradway ◽  
Elia Gabarron ◽  
Monika Johansen ◽  
Paolo Zanaboni ◽  
Patricia Jardim ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Despite the prevalence of mobile health (mHealth) technologies and observations of their impacts on patients’ health, there is still no consensus on how best to evaluate these tools for patient self-management of chronic conditions. Researchers currently do not have guidelines on which qualitative or quantitative factors to measure or how to gather these reliable data. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to document the methods and both qualitative and quantitative measures used to assess mHealth apps and systems intended for use by patients for the self-management of chronic noncommunicable diseases. METHODS A scoping review was performed, and PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Research Library were searched for literature published in English between January 1, 2015, and January 18, 2019. Search terms included combinations of the description of the intention of the intervention (eg, self-efficacy and self-management) and description of the intervention platform (eg, mobile app and sensor). Article selection was based on whether the intervention described a patient with a chronic noncommunicable disease as the primary user of a tool or system that would always be available for self-management. The extracted data included study design, health conditions, participants, intervention type (app or system), methods used, and measured qualitative and quantitative data. RESULTS A total of 31 studies met the eligibility criteria. Studies were classified as either those that evaluated mHealth apps (ie, single devices; n=15) or mHealth systems (ie, more than one tool; n=17), and one study evaluated both apps and systems. App interventions mainly targeted mental health conditions (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), followed by diabetes and cardiovascular and heart diseases; among the 17 studies that described mHealth systems, most involved patients diagnosed with cardiovascular and heart disease, followed by diabetes, respiratory disease, mental health conditions, cancer, and multiple illnesses. The most common evaluation method was collection of usage logs (n=21), followed by standardized questionnaires (n=18) and ad-hoc questionnaires (n=13). The most common measure was app interaction (n=19), followed by usability/feasibility (n=17) and patient-reported health data via the app (n=15). CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates that health intervention studies are taking advantage of the additional resources that mHealth technologies provide. As mHealth technologies become more prevalent, the call for evidence includes the impacts on patients’ self-efficacy and engagement, in addition to traditional measures. However, considering the unstructured data forms, diverse use, and various platforms of mHealth, it can be challenging to select the right methods and measures to evaluate mHealth technologies. The inclusion of app usage logs, patient-involved methods, and other approaches to determine the impact of mHealth is an important step forward in health intervention research. We hope that this overview will become a catalogue of the possible ways in which mHealth has been and can be integrated into research practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hall ◽  
N Munk ◽  
B Carr ◽  
S Fogarty ◽  
S Holton ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mental health problems place a significant burden on the health system and are an important public health issue. Many pregnant women experience anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact health outcomes for both mother and baby. Partner-delivered massage may provide a cost effective and accessible approach to support the mental wellbeing of pregnant women. Methods A feasibility randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare partner-delivered relaxation massage (intervention) with a self-directed stress management program (control), for pregnant women with mild anxiety. Women attended an initial workshop at 28-32 weeks gestation, followed by the completion of either the self-directed massage or stress management program. Qualitative feasibility and acceptability data (primary outcomes) were collected via online participant diaries and post-birth interviews. Anxiety, depression and stress symptoms (secondary outcomes) were assessed using the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results 14 women/partner dyads attended the partner- delivered massage group and 13 women attended the self-directed stress management group. Participants from both groups reported the programs were feasible and acceptable. Mean scores on all DASS-21 subscales significantly decreased over time in both the intervention and the control group. Conclusions The partner-delivered massage program was feasible and acceptable. Both programs decreased women's symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, with no significant between-group differences identified. An adequately powered, experimental study is needed to determine the effectiveness of partner-delivered relaxation massage. Key messages Many women experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy and this can have a negative impact on both mother and baby. Partner-delivered relaxation massage, at least once a week in the third trimester, may help reduce women’s symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.


10.2196/16814 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e16814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Bradway ◽  
Elia Gabarron ◽  
Monika Johansen ◽  
Paolo Zanaboni ◽  
Patricia Jardim ◽  
...  

Background Despite the prevalence of mobile health (mHealth) technologies and observations of their impacts on patients’ health, there is still no consensus on how best to evaluate these tools for patient self-management of chronic conditions. Researchers currently do not have guidelines on which qualitative or quantitative factors to measure or how to gather these reliable data. Objective This study aimed to document the methods and both qualitative and quantitative measures used to assess mHealth apps and systems intended for use by patients for the self-management of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Methods A scoping review was performed, and PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Research Library were searched for literature published in English between January 1, 2015, and January 18, 2019. Search terms included combinations of the description of the intention of the intervention (eg, self-efficacy and self-management) and description of the intervention platform (eg, mobile app and sensor). Article selection was based on whether the intervention described a patient with a chronic noncommunicable disease as the primary user of a tool or system that would always be available for self-management. The extracted data included study design, health conditions, participants, intervention type (app or system), methods used, and measured qualitative and quantitative data. Results A total of 31 studies met the eligibility criteria. Studies were classified as either those that evaluated mHealth apps (ie, single devices; n=15) or mHealth systems (ie, more than one tool; n=17), and one study evaluated both apps and systems. App interventions mainly targeted mental health conditions (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), followed by diabetes and cardiovascular and heart diseases; among the 17 studies that described mHealth systems, most involved patients diagnosed with cardiovascular and heart disease, followed by diabetes, respiratory disease, mental health conditions, cancer, and multiple illnesses. The most common evaluation method was collection of usage logs (n=21), followed by standardized questionnaires (n=18) and ad-hoc questionnaires (n=13). The most common measure was app interaction (n=19), followed by usability/feasibility (n=17) and patient-reported health data via the app (n=15). Conclusions This review demonstrates that health intervention studies are taking advantage of the additional resources that mHealth technologies provide. As mHealth technologies become more prevalent, the call for evidence includes the impacts on patients’ self-efficacy and engagement, in addition to traditional measures. However, considering the unstructured data forms, diverse use, and various platforms of mHealth, it can be challenging to select the right methods and measures to evaluate mHealth technologies. The inclusion of app usage logs, patient-involved methods, and other approaches to determine the impact of mHealth is an important step forward in health intervention research. We hope that this overview will become a catalogue of the possible ways in which mHealth has been and can be integrated into research practice.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvina Catuara-Solarz ◽  
Bartlomiej Skorulski ◽  
Inaki Estella ◽  
Claudia Avella-Garcia ◽  
Sarah Shepherd ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Against a long-term trend of increasing demand, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global rise in common mental disorders. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for scalable, evidence-based interventions to support mental well-being. OBJECTIVE The aim of this proof-of-principle study was to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile-based app in adults with self-reported symptoms of anxiety and stress in a randomised control trial that took place during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. METHODS Adults with mild to severe anxiety and moderate to high levels of perceived stress were randomised to either the intervention or control arm. Participants in the intervention arm were given access to the app, Foundations, for the duration of the 4-week study. All participants were required to self-report a range of validated measures of mental well-being (10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience scale [CD-RISC-10]; 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]; Office of National Statistics Four Subjective Well-being Questions [ONS-4]; World Health Organisation-5 Well-Being Index [WHO-5]) and sleep (Minimal Insomnia Scale [MISS]) at baseline and weeks 2 and 4; and, in addition, on perceived stress weekly (10-item Perceived Stress Score [PSS]). RESULTS 136 participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The intervention group (n=62) showed significant improvements compared to the control group (n=74) on measures of anxiety (GAD-7 score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -1.35 [SD 4.43]; control group: -0.23 [SD 3.24]; t134= 1.71 , P=.04), resilience (CD-RISC score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: 1.79 [± SD 4.08]; control group: -0.31 [± SD 3.16]; t134 -3.37, P<.001), sleep (MISS score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -1.16 [± SD 2.67]; control group: -0.26 [± SD 2.29]; t134= 2.13, P=.01), and mental well-being (WHO-5 score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: 1.53 [5.30]; control group: -0.23 [± SD 4.20]; t134= -2.16, P=.02) within 2 weeks of using Foundations, with further improvements emerging at week 4. Perceived stress was also reduced within the intervention group, although the results did not reach statistical significance relative to the control group (PSS score, delta from baseline to week 2 in the intervention group: -2.94 [± SD 6.84]; control group: -2.05 [± SD 5.34]; t134= 0.84, P=.20). CONCLUSIONS This study provides proof-of-principle that the digital mental health app, Foundations, can improve measures of mental well-being, anxiety, resilience, and sleep within 2 weeks of use, with greater effects after 4 weeks. It therefore offers potential as a scalable, cost-effective, and accessible solution to enhance mental well-being, even during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.


Author(s):  
Wahyu Sukma Samudera ◽  
Novita Fajriyah ◽  
Ida Trisnawati

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was one of non-communicable diseases that increased of prevalence in word wide, included in Indonesia. Utilization of technology as an effort of increase of diabetes treatment is important for achieving of optimum glycemic control and to prevent of complication of diabetes mellitus. However, intervention for self management in patients with diabetes mellitus at this time still not using technology based mobile health intervention. Purpose: This study aims to verify of effectiveness of mobile health intervention on self management and glycemic control in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: Design of this studies was used systematic review of randomized controlled trial with PRISMA approach. Article search was carried out through databases: Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest with randomized controlled trial design within last 10 years. Results: The finding showed 407 articles have been obtained. Articles selection process were through few steps: topic selection, full text selection, design of studies and obtained 10 articles have been as appropriate of inclusion criteria. Based on results of finding of 10 articles were showed that mobile health intervention was effective in improving of glycemic control by decreasing hbA1c, fasting blood glucose, 2 hours post pandrial. Furthermore, mobile health intervention was effective in increasing of self management in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and increased adherence of diabetes medication. Moreover, mobile health intervention can also improve of insulin level and lipid profile in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Mobile health intervention was effective in improving of glycemic control and self management, and giving of facilitate communication between patient and health providers Keywords: mobile health application; self management; glycemic control; diabetes mellitus ABSTRAK Latar belakang: diabetes melitus (DM) tipe 2 merupakan salah satu penyakit tidak menular yang mengalami peningkatan angka kejadian di dunia, termasuk di Indonesia. Penggunaan teknologi sebagai upaya meningkatkan manajemen diabetes melitus sangatlah penting untuk dilakukan guna mencapai kontrol glikemik optimal dan mencegah komplikasi dari Diabetes Melitus. Namun, manajemen diri pada sebagian besar pasien Diabetes Melitus saat ini masih belum menggunakan bantuan teknologi berbasis mobile health. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memverifikasi efektivitas dari penggunaan mobile health intervention terhadap manajemen diri dan kontrol glikemik pasien dengan diabetes melitus tipe 2. Metode: desain dalam penelitian ini adalah systematic review dengan menggunakan pendekatan PRISMA. Pencarian artikel dilakukan pada beberapa database yang meliputi: Scopus, Science Direct dan ProQuest dengan desain Randomized controlled trial dalam 10 tahun terakhir. Hasil: hasil temuan didapatkan sejumlah 407 artikel penelitian. Proses seleksi artikel dilakukan beberapa tahap meliputi: seleksi topik, fullteks, desain artikel penelitian dan didapatkan 10 artikel penelitian yang sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi. Berdasarkan hasil temuan dari 10 artikel penelitian yang digunakan, menunjukkan bahwa mobile health intervention efektif dalam memperbaiki kontrol glikemik pasien diabetes melalui penurunan kadar hbA1c, gula darah puasa, 2 jam post pandrial. Selanjutnya, mobile health intervention efektif dalam meningkatkan manajemen diri pasien diabetes dan meningkatkan kepatuhan pengobatan. Selain itu, mobile health intervention juga dapat memperbaiki level insulin dan profil lipid pasien diabetes melitus tipe 2. Kesimpulan: Mobile health intervention efektif dalam memperbaiki kontrol glikemik dan meningkatkan manajemen diri pasien diabetes melitus serta memudahkan komunikasi antara pasien dengan tenaga kesehatan Kata kunci: mobile health application; manajemen diri; kontrol glikemik; diabetes melitus


2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 795-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Fortuna ◽  
Marianne Storm ◽  
Kelly A. Aschbrenner ◽  
Stephen J. Bartels

Author(s):  
Way Inn Koay ◽  
Denise Dillon

The financial and health burdens of stress associated with increased urbanization have led to a demand for mental health enhancement strategies. While some extant literature details mental health benefits of community gardening, a coherent narrative on the construct of resilience and its relationship with the mental health benefits of community gardening is lacking. The present study examined the relationship between community gardening and a number of mental health benefits, in the forms of subjective well-being, stress, resilience potentials, and resilience factors (self-esteem, optimism, and openness). A total of 111 residents in Singapore completed a survey. Results from Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) and Pearson’s correlation analyses show that, after controlling for age and levels of connection to nature, community gardeners reported significantly higher levels of subjective well-being than individual/home gardeners and non-gardeners, indicating that engagement in community gardening may be superior to individual/home gardening or non-gardening outdoor activities. Community gardeners reported higher levels of resilience and optimism than the non-gardening control group. These novel results indicate some potential for mental health benefits in urban environments, specifically in terms of subjective well-being and resilience. These findings have implications for future research in clinical psychology, mental health promotion, and policy.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. D. Danucalov ◽  
E. H. Kozasa ◽  
K. T. Ribas ◽  
J. C. F. Galduróz ◽  
M. C. Garcia ◽  
...  

Familial caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit reduced quality of life and increased stress levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program on the perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol levels in familial caregivers. A total of 46 volunteers were randomly assigned to participate in a stress-reduction program for a 2-month period (yoga and compassion meditation program—YCMP group) (n=25) or an untreated group for the same period of time (control group) (n=21). The levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and morning salivary cortisol of the participants were measured before and after intervention. The groups were initially homogeneous; however, after intervention, the groups diverged significantly. The YCMP group exhibited a reduction of the stress (P<0.05), anxiety (P<0.000001), and depression (P<0.00001) levels, as well as a reduction in the concentration of salivary cortisol (P<0.05). Our study suggests that an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program may offer an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol in familial caregivers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Andersson ◽  
Cecilia U. D. Stenfors ◽  
Peter Lilliengren ◽  
Stefan Einhorn ◽  
Walter Osika

ObjectiveBenevolence is an emerging concept in motivation theory and research as well as in on pro-social behavior, which has stimulated increasing interest in studying factors that impair or facilitate benevolence and effects thereof. This exploratory study examines the associations between benevolence, stress, mental health, self-compassion, and satisfaction with life in two workplace samples.MethodsIn the first study n = 522 (38% = female, median age = 42) participants answered questionnaires regarding self-reported stress symptoms (i.e., emotional exhaustion), depressive symptoms and benevolence. In the second study n = 49 (female = 96%) participants answered questionnaires regarding perceived stress, self-compassion, anxiety, depression symptoms, and benevolence.ResultsIn study 1, measures of emotional exhaustion (r = −0.295) and depression (r = −0.190) were significantly negatively correlated with benevolence. In study 2, benevolence was significantly negatively correlated with stress (r = −0.392) and depression (r = −0.310), whereas self-compassion (0.401) was significantly positively correlated with benevolence. While correlations were in expected directions, benevolence was not significantly associated with Satisfaction with Life (r = 0.148) or anxiety (r = −0.199) in study 2.ConclusionSelf-assessed benevolence is associated with levels of perceived stress, exhaustion, depression, and self-compassion. Future studies are warranted on how benevolence is related to stress and mental ill health such as depression and anxiety, and if benevolence can be trained in order to decrease stress and mental ill health such as depression and anxiety in workplace settings.


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