Evaluation of a Web-Based Holistic Stress Reduction Pilot Program Among Nurse-Midwives

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Background:

• Work-related stress poses significant challenges for midwives, leading to secondary traumatic stress, PTSD, and job attrition.
• Effective stress reduction strategies are crucial for supporting midwife well-being and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a holistic, web-based program for stress reduction among certified nurse-midwives.
• To assess improvements in coping mechanisms and overall well-being.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week web-based intervention incorporating yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and meditation was implemented.
• Ten midwives participated, completing pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES).

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in perceived stress levels (PSS scores decreased from 16.4 to 12.3).
• Substantial improvement in coping self-efficacy (CSES scores increased from 174.8 to 214.5).
• Enhancements observed across all CSES subscales, including problem-focused coping, emotional regulation, and seeking social support.

Conclusions:

• Web-based holistic interventions show promise for reducing stress and enhancing coping skills in midwives.
• Findings support the potential of digital delivery for mental well-being programs in healthcare professions.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impact and scalability of these interventions.