Effects of a mobile health intervention on activities of stress self-management for workers

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.

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 at the baseline and post-intervention. Study outcomes analyzed perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and work engagement. Data were assessed using analysis of covariance with covariates.

There was significantly reduced perceived stress from baseline to 6 weeks in mSMI (t = 5.788, p < 0.001) and control group (t = 3.184, p = 0.003). After adjusting for covariates, the between-group difference in the perceived stress was significantly different (F = 4.051, p = 0.048); 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.

This study found that mobile health intervention facilitated perceived 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.