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Vol 7, No 4: Winter 2012:176-183 |
The effectiveness of stress management intervention in a community-based program: Isfahan healthy heart program
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of stress management
training in improving the ability of coping with stress in a large population.
METHODS: Five cross-sectional studies using multistage cluster random sampling were
performed on adults aged ≥ 19 years between 2000 to 2005 in Isfahan and Najaf Abad as
intervention cities and Arak as the control city within the context of Isfahan Healthy Heart
Program. Stress management training was adapted according to age and education levels of the
target groups. In a 45-minute home interview, demographic data, General Health Questionnaire
(GHQ) and stress management questionnaires were collected. Data was analyzed by t-test,
linear regression and general linear model.
RESULTS: Trends of both adaptive and maladaptive coping skills and GHQ scores from
baseline to the last survey were statistically significant in both intervention and reference areas
(P < 0.001). While adaptive coping skills increased significantly, maladaptive coping skills
decreased significantly in the intervention areas. Furthermore, stress levels decreased
significantly in the intervention compared to the reference area.
CONCLUSION: Stress management programs could improve coping strategies at the
community level and can be considered in designing behavioral interventions
Keywords: Stress Management, Community, Intervention, Coping Strategies.
training in improving the ability of coping with stress in a large population.
METHODS: Five cross-sectional studies using multistage cluster random sampling were
performed on adults aged ≥ 19 years between 2000 to 2005 in Isfahan and Najaf Abad as
intervention cities and Arak as the control city within the context of Isfahan Healthy Heart
Program. Stress management training was adapted according to age and education levels of the
target groups. In a 45-minute home interview, demographic data, General Health Questionnaire
(GHQ) and stress management questionnaires were collected. Data was analyzed by t-test,
linear regression and general linear model.
RESULTS: Trends of both adaptive and maladaptive coping skills and GHQ scores from
baseline to the last survey were statistically significant in both intervention and reference areas
(P < 0.001). While adaptive coping skills increased significantly, maladaptive coping skills
decreased significantly in the intervention areas. Furthermore, stress levels decreased
significantly in the intervention compared to the reference area.
CONCLUSION: Stress management programs could improve coping strategies at the
community level and can be considered in designing behavioral interventions
Keywords: Stress Management, Community, Intervention, Coping Strategies.
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