Smart Stress Care: Usability, Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Fully Automated Stress Management Application for Employees

OBJECTIVE: We developed a fully automated smartphone-based stress management application and explored its usability, potential feasibility, and preliminary efficacy for stress management in Korean employees. METHODS: Healthy employees working in large public enterprises were enrolled. Participants used our automated stress management application for four weeks. With the application, they monitored their stress level and life style factors. Personalized stress management techniques, including psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral technique, were also provided based on their stress level and lifestyle pattern. In 2014, additional relaxation techniques were incorporated. Participants’ mental health status and lifestyle pattern were self-assessed at baseline and at 4 weeks after using the application. RESULTS: A total of 68 subjects were recruited. The application generally received high satisfaction rating. After the intervention, perceived stress level was significantly decreased, both in 2013 and 2014 (BEPSI-K score pre. vs. post. 14.27 vs. 11.00, F=12.49, p=0.001 in 2013; 12.05 vs. 10.00, F=17.18, p < 0.001). In 2014, depression symptom severity was also significantly decreased (CES-D score pre- vs. Post-, 17.66 vs. 11.95, F=9.76, p=0.004). The effects were more significant in females and in those < 35 years. CONCLUSION: Our fully automated stress management application is acceptable and usable, showing preliminary efficacy for reducing employees’ stress levels.

The effects of stress management intervention for companions of patients with AIDS on psychological status and anti-viral treatment of patients with AIDS / 中华护理杂志

Objective To explore the effects of stress management intervention for companions of patients with AIDS on psychological status,quality of life and anti-viral treatment of patients with AIDS.Methods Totally 92 patients with AIDS and their companions were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group,each with 46 cases.Both groups received routine nursing,the experimental group received stress management intervention for 4 months.Before and after intervention was complete,the GHQ-12 was used to assess the psychological status of companions in both groups.Morisky questionnaire,SF-12 and stigma scale were used to evaluate anti-viral treatment compliance,quality of life and stigma of patients in both groups.Results The differences in general health scores of two groups after 4 months were statistically significant.There were significant differences in scores of stigma,quality of life scores,anti-viral treatment adherence and anti-viral treatment between AIDS patients in two groups.Conclusion Stress management intervention for companions of patients with AIDS can significantly improve psychological status of companions,reduce the stigma of AIDS patients,improve the quality of life and anti-viral treatment adherence and the effects of anti-viral treatment for patients.