Effectiveness and cost efficiency of interventions in health promotion

The effect of a stress management programme as a component of an overall fitness programme was evaluated. Psychological, physiological and economic parameters were examined in relation to stress management activities in an experimental study. Subjects were stratified by life stressors and then randomly assigned to groups. Stress-related physical symptoms decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) in the treatment group. Those who practised the relaxation techniques regularly had significantly lower systolic blood pressure (P less than 0.05). Results of cost evaluation demonstrate the benefits from a programme with relatively low overall costs.