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Introduction: The mobile health application "Stress Autism Mate" (SAM) was designed to support adults with autism in identifying and managing daily stress. SAM measures stress four times daily, provides a daily and weekly stress overview, and provides personalised stress reduction advice. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of SAM over four weeks in reducing perceived stress and internalised stigma, and enhancing coping self-efficacy, quality of life, and resilience among adults with autism. Methods: Using an A1-B-A2 single-case experimental design, the effect of using SAM on adults with autism was assessed. The phases consisted of A1; treatment as usual (TAU), B; introducing SAM, and finally A2; follow-up with TAU and without the use of SAM. Each phase lasted four weeks, and data were collected via questionnaires before and after each phase. Linear mixed models were used for data analysis. Results: Results show significant reductions in perceived stress levels, increased coping self-efficacy, and improved perceived health and psychological well-being after using SAM. Furthermore, increased resilience, and decreased internalised stigma were reported after follow-up. Discussion: In conclusion, this study highlights SAM as a valuable tool for empowering adults with autism to reduce stress and internalised stigmaand to improve coping self-efficacy, psychological well-being, and resilience.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Work-related stress and burnout remain common problems among employees, leading to impaired health and higher absenteeism. The use of mobile health apps to promote well-being has grown substantially; however, the impact of such apps on reducing stress and preventing burnout is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of STAPP@Work, a mobile-based stress management intervention, on perceived stress, coping self-efficacy, and the level of burnout among mental health employees. METHODS: The study used a single-case experimental design to examine the use of STAPP@Work among mental health employees without a known diagnosis of burnout (N=63). Participants used the app for 1 week per month repeatedly for a period of 6 months. Using a reversal design, the participants used the app 6 times to assess replicated immediate (1 week after use) and lasting (3 weeks after use) effects. The Perceived Stress Scale, the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Burnout Assessment Tool were used to measure the outcomes. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After 6 months of app use for 1 week per month, the participants showed a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress (b=-0.38, 95% CI -0.67 to -0.09; P=.01; Cohen d=0.50) and burnout symptoms (b=-0.31, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.12; P=.002; Cohen d=0.63) as well as a statistically significant improvement in problem-focused coping self-efficacy (b=0.42, 95% CI 0-0.85; P=.049; Cohen d=0.42). Long-term use of the app provided consistent reductions in burnout symptoms over time, including in the level of exhaustion and emotional impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an app-based stress management intervention has been shown to reduce burnout symptoms and enhance coping self-efficacy among mental health workers. Prevention of burnout and minimization of work-related stress are of utmost importance to protect employee health and reduce absenteeism.
