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Yoon S, Goh H, Low XC, Weng JH, Heaukulani C. User perceptions and utilisation of features of an AI-enabled workplace digital mental wellness platform 'mindline at work '. BMJ Health Care Inform 2024; 31:e101045. [PMID: 39153756 PMCID: PMC11331828 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2024-101045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The working population encounters unique work-related stressors. Despite these challenges, accessibility to mental healthcare remains limited. Digital technology-enabled mental wellness tools can offer much-needed access to mental healthcare. However, existing literature has given limited attention to their relevance and user engagement, particularly for the working population. AIM This study aims to assess user perceptions and feature utilisation of mindline at work, a nationally developed AI-enabled digital platform designed to improve mental wellness in the working population. METHODS This study adopted a mixed-methods design comprising a survey (n=399) and semistructured interviews (n=40) with office-based working adults. Participants were asked to use mindline at work for 4 weeks. We collected data about utilisation of the platform features, intention for sustained use and perceptions of specific features. RESULTS Participants under 5 years of work experience reported lower utilisation of multimedia resources but higher utilisation of emotion self-assessment tools and the AI chatbot compared with their counterparts (p<0.001). The platform received a moderate level of satisfaction (57%) and positive intention for sustained use (58%). Participants regarded mindline at work as an 'essential' safeguard against workplace stress, valuing its secure and non-judgmental space and user anonymity. However, they wanted greater institutional support for office workers' mental wellness to enhance the uptake. The AI chatbot was perceived as useful for self-reflection and problem-solving, despite limited maturity. CONCLUSION Identifying the unique benefits of specific features for different segments of working adults can foster a personalised user experience and promote mental well-being. Increasing workplace awareness is essential for platform adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwon Yoon
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Centre for Population Health Research and Implementation, SingHealth, Singapore
| | - Hendra Goh
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
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Stecher C, Pagni BA, Cloonan S, Vink S, Hill E, Ogbeama D, Delaney S, Braden BB. App-based meditation habits maintain reductions in depression symptoms among autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1487-1502. [PMID: 37837362 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231200679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Existing research has identified an increased risk of depression among autistic adults, which can negatively impact their adaptive functioning abilities and socioeconomic outcomes. Mobile app-based meditation is a feasible, accessible, and effective self-care solution for depression among neurotypical adults, but there is limited evidence for the long-term benefits of app-based meditation among autistic adults. Habits are a key behavioral strategy for maintaining behavior change, and anchoring is one effective habit formation intervention that has yet to be tested among autistic adults. This study demonstrates that it is both feasible and effective to integrate the anchoring habit formation strategy into an app-based meditation intervention for establishing meditation habits among autistic adults. In addition, the study shows that app-based meditation habits were successful at maintaining reductions in depressive symptoms over 6 months. These results demonstrate the power of anchoring-based habit formation interventions for establishing healthy habits among autistic adults, which offers a promising behavioral intervention technique for establishing other healthy habits among autistic adults. The study also shows that app-based meditation habits are an effective long-term self-care solution for managing depressive symptoms among autistic adults that should be used by mental health providers and policymakers. Future research should test this combined anchoring and app-based meditation intervention technique among larger samples of autistic adults and over longer durations to better understand the mechanisms underlying the success of this intervention.
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Luo X, Zhang A, Li H, Li Y, Ying F, Wang X, Yang Q, Zhang Z, Huang G. The role of arts therapies in mitigating Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1386529. [PMID: 38818021 PMCID: PMC11137235 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1386529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Arts therapies offer effective non-pharmacological intervention for Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (SIMDs), encompassing both passive and active modalities. This review assesses their effectiveness and ethical considerations, focusing on music therapy, meditation, and Tai Chi. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a detailed search across PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI identified 17 relevant RCTs. Utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality criteria and the PICO(S) framework for data extraction ensured methodological integrity. Results Analysis shows arts therapies significantly improve sleep quality. Music therapy and meditation yield immediate benefits, while Tai Chi and Qigong require longer commitment for significant outcomes. Discussion The link between SIMDs and mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression suggests arts therapies not only enhance sleep quality but also address underlying mental health conditions. The evidence supports a wider adoption of arts therapies in treating SIMDs due to their dual benefits. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, ID: CRD42024506393.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexing Luo
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Aijia Zhang
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hong Li
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Fangtian Ying
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- College of Computer Science and Technology Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Operation Management Centre, Guangzhou Wanqu Cooperative Institute of Design, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Qinghai Province Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascdular Disease Specialist Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Qianxu Yang
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zheyu Zhang
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guanghui Huang
- Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
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Bisconti N, Odier M, Becker M, Bullock K. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile App-Based TEAM-CBT (Testing Empathy Assessment Methods-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Intervention (Feeling Good) for Depression: Secondary Data Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e52369. [PMID: 38728080 PMCID: PMC11127134 DOI: 10.2196/52369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Feeling Good App is an automated stand-alone digital mobile mental health tool currently undergoing beta testing with the goal of providing evidence-informed self-help lessons and exercises to help individuals reduce depressive symptoms without guidance from a mental health provider. Users work through intensive basic training (IBT) and ongoing training models that provide education regarding cognitive behavioral therapy principles from a smartphone. OBJECTIVE The key objective of this study was to perform a nonsponsored third-party academic assessment of an industry-generated data set; this data set focused on the safety, feasibility, and accessibility of a commercial automated digital mobile mental health app that was developed to reduce feelings associated with depression. METHODS The Feeling Good App development team created a waitlist cohort crossover design and measured symptoms of depression and anxiety using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and an app-specific measure of negative feelings called the 7 Dimension Emotion Slider (7-DES). The waitlist cohort crossover design divided the participants into 2 groups, where 48.6% (141/290) of the participants were given immediate access to the apps, while 51.4% (149/290) were placed on a 2-week waitlist before being given access to the app. Data collected by the Feeling Good App development team were deidentified and provided to the authors of this paper for analysis through a nonsponsored university data use agreement. All quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics (version 28.0; IBM Corp). Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic variables. Feasibility and acceptability were descriptively assessed. All participants included in the quantitative data were given access to the Feeling Good App; this study did not include a control group. RESULTS In terms of safety, there was no statistically significant change in suicidality from preintervention to postintervention time points (t288=0.0; P>.99), and there was a statistically significant decrease in hopelessness from preintervention to postintervention time points (F289=30.16; P<.01). In terms of acceptability, 72.2% (166/230) of the users who started the initial 2-day IBT went on to complete it, while 34.8% (80/230) of the users who started IBT completed the entirety of the apps' 4-week protocol (150/230, 65.22% dropout rate over 4 weeks). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first reported proof-of-concept evaluation of the Feeling Good App in terms of safety, feasibility, and statistical trends within the data set. It demonstrates a feasible and novel approach to industry and academic collaboration in the process of developing a digital mental health technology translated from an existing evidence-informed treatment. The results support the prototype app as safe for a select nonclinical population. The app had acceptable levels of engagement and dropouts throughout the intervention. Those who stay engaged showed reductions in symptom severity of depression warranting further investigation of the app's efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mackenzie Odier
- PGSP-Stanford PsyD. Consortium, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Becker
- PGSP-Stanford PsyD. Consortium, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Kim Bullock
- Stanford School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Cunningham AC, Prentice C, Peven K, Wickham A, Bamford R, Radovic T, Klepchukova A, Fomina M, Cunningham K, Hill S, Hantsoo L, Payne J, Zhaunova L, Ponzo S. Efficacy of the Flo App in Improving Health Literacy, Menstrual and General Health, and Well-Being in Women: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e54124. [PMID: 38696773 PMCID: PMC11099814 DOI: 10.2196/54124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive health literacy and menstrual health awareness play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of women and people who menstruate. Further, awareness of one's own menstrual cycle patterns and associated symptoms can help individuals identify and manage conditions of the menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Digital health products, and specifically menstrual health apps, have the potential to effect positive change due to their scalability and ease of access. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to measure the efficacy of a menstrual and reproductive health app, Flo, in improving health literacy and health and well-being outcomes in menstruating individuals with and without PMS and PMDD. Further, we explored the possibility that the use of the Flo app could positively influence feelings around reproductive health management and communication about health, menstrual cycle stigma, unplanned pregnancies, quality of life, work productivity, absenteeism, and body image. METHODS We conducted 2 pilot, 3-month, unblinded, 2-armed, remote randomized controlled trials on the effects of using the Flo app in a sample of US-based (1) individuals who track their cycles (n=321) or (2) individuals who track their cycles and are affected by PMS or PMDD (n=117). RESULTS The findings revealed significant improvements at the end of the study period compared to baseline for our primary outcomes of health literacy (cycle tracking: D̄=1.11; t311=5.73, P<.001; PMS or PMDD: D̄=1.20; t115=3.76, P<.001) and menstrual health awareness (D̄=3.97; t311=7.71, P<.001), health and well-being (D̄=3.44; t311=5.94, P<.001), and PMS or PMDD symptoms burden (D̄=-7.08; t115=-5.44, P<.001). Improvements were also observed for our secondary outcomes of feelings of control and management over health (D̄=1.01; t311=5.08, P<.001), communication about health (D̄=0.93; t311=2.41, P=.002), menstrual cycle stigma (D̄=-0.61; t311=-2.73, P=.007), and fear of unplanned pregnancies (D̄=-0.22; t311=-2.11, P=.04) for those who track their cycles, as well as absenteeism from work and education due to PMS or PMDD (D̄=-1.67; t144=-2.49, P=.01). CONCLUSIONS These pilot randomized controlled trials demonstrate that the use of the Flo app improves menstrual health literacy and awareness, general health and well-being, and PMS or PMDD symptom burden. Considering the widespread use and affordability of the Flo app, these findings show promise for filling important gaps in current health care provisioning such as improving menstrual knowledge and health. TRIAL REGISTRATION OSF Registries osf.io/pcgw7; https://osf.io/pcgw7 ; OSF Registries osf.io/ry8vq; https://osf.io/ry8vq.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kimberly Peven
- Flo Health UK Limited, London, United Kingdom
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Tara Radovic
- Flo Health UK Limited, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Ergonomics, Technische Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Maria Fomina
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Cunningham
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Sarah Hill
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | | | - Sonia Ponzo
- Flo Health UK Limited, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Stecher C, Cloonan S, Domino ME. The Economics of Treatment for Depression. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:527-551. [PMID: 38100648 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-061022-040533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The global prevalence of depression has risen over the past three decades across all socioeconomic groups and geographic regions, with a particularly rapid increase in prevalence among adolescents (aged 12-17 years) in the United States. Depression imposes large health, economic, and societal costs, including reduced life span and quality of life, medical costs, and reduced educational attainment and workplace productivity. A wide range of treatment modalities for depression are available, but socioeconomic disparities in treatment access are driven by treatment costs, lack of culturally tailored options, stigma, and provider shortages, among other barriers. This review highlights the need for comparative research to better understand treatments' relative efficacy, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and potential heterogeneity in efficacy across socioeconomic groups and country and cultural contexts. To address the growing burden of depression, mental health policy could consider reducing restrictions on the supply of providers, implementing digital interventions, reducing stigma, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Stecher
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA;
- The Center for Health Information and Research, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Sara Cloonan
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Marisa Elena Domino
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA;
- The Center for Health Information and Research, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Türkarslan KK, Canel Çınarbaş D, Nicassio PM. The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Pre-sleep Arousal Scale. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2024; 22:75-84. [PMID: 38476852 PMCID: PMC10899935 DOI: 10.1007/s41105-023-00483-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Pre-sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS), which measures pre-sleep arousal, a significant predictor of insomnia symptoms. Methods 651 participants were recruited via social media and the Internet. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in the total sample (65.28% females; Mage1 = 28.09 ± 14.00). Convergent, divergent, incremental, and known-groups validity and internal consistency coefficients were assessed in a subsample of 556 participants (62.77% females; Mage2 = 29.25 ± 14.81). A second separate sample of 88 participants (80.68% females; Mage3 = 22.19 ± 4.98) was used to evaluate three-week test-retest reliability. Results The results of factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the Turkish PSAS with cognitive (PSAS-C) and somatic (PSAS-S), similar to the original scale. The correlations of the PSAS with convergent and divergent measures showed that the Turkish form had good convergent and acceptable divergent validity. PSAS-C and PSAS-S were able to explain an 18% additional variance in insomnia severity beyond depression and anxiety, an 18% additional variance in depression beyond insomnia severity, and a 35% additional variance in anxiety beyond insomnia severity. Moreover, insomnia patients had significantly higher PSAS-C and PSAS-S scores than good sleepers. Finally, the PSAS, PSAS-C, and PSAS-S had satisfactory internal consistency coefficients (α = 0.92, 0.91, and 0.86, respectively) and three-week test-retest correlations (ICC = 0.82, 0.82, and 0.71, respectively). Conclusion The Turkish form of the PSAS was a valid and reliable measure of pre-sleep arousal and can be utilized in sleep studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41105-023-00483-z.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Perry M. Nicassio
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA
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Seegan PL, Miller MJ, Heliste JL, Fathi L, McGuire JF. Efficacy of stand-alone digital mental health applications for anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:171-183. [PMID: 37352813 PMCID: PMC10527200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depressive disorders affect 20% of the population, cause functional impairment, and represent a leading cause of disability. Although evidence-based treatments exist, the shortage of trained clinicians and high demand for mental health services have resulted in limited access to evidence-based care. Digital mental health applications (DMHA) present innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions to address disparities in mental health care. METHODS The present study used meta-analytic techniques to evaluate the therapeutic effect of DMHAs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for individuals experiencing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Search terms were selected based on concepts related to digital mental health applications, mental health/wellness, intervention type, trial design, and anxiety and/or depression symptoms/diagnosis outcomes to capture all potentially eligible results. Potential demographic, DMHA, and trial design characteristics were examined as moderators of therapeutic effects. RESULTS Random effects meta-analyses found that stand-alone DMHAs produced a modest reduction in anxiety (g = 0.31) and depressive (g = 0.35) symptom severity. Several moderators influenced the therapeutic effects of DMHAs for anxiety and/or depressive symptoms including treatment duration, participant inclusion criteria, and outcome measures. LIMITATIONS Minimal information was available on DMHA usability and participant engagement with DMHAs within RCTs. CONCLUSIONS While DMHAs have the potential to be scalable and sustainable solutions to improve access and availability of evidence-based mental healthcare, moderator analyses highlight the considerations for implementation of DMHAs in practice. Further research is needed to understand factors that influence therapeutic effects of DMHAs and investigate strategies to optimize its implementation and overcome the extant research-to-practice gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige L Seegan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael J Miller
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Heliste
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lily Fathi
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Purdie DR, Federman M, Chin A, Winston D, Bursch B, Olmstead R, Bulut Y, Irwin MR. Hybrid Delivery of Mindfulness Meditation and Perceived Stress in Pediatric Resident Physicians: A Randomized Clinical Trial of In-Person and Digital Mindfulness Meditation. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2023; 30:425-434. [PMID: 35778655 PMCID: PMC10078965 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09896-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Physicians are experiencing epidemic levels of work-related stress and burnout. Determine efficacy of mindfulness meditation delivered as a hybrid (in-person and digital) format to reduce perceived stress in pediatric residents. Pediatric residents (n = 66) were block randomized to a hybrid Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) intervention, comprised of one in-person 60-min session and 6-week access to a digitally delivered MAPs curriculum (n = 27) or wait-list control (n = 39). Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered at baseline and post-intervention as the primary outcome measure. A priori secondary outcomes were measured using the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory-9, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. After the first session, 58% participated at least one digital session (M = 2.0; SD = 1.3). MAPs participants showed significant decrease in PSS compared to controls, with between-group mean difference of 2.20 (95% CI 0.47-3.93) at post-intervention (effect size 0.91; 0.19-1.62). No secondary outcome group differences were detected. Exposure to a hybrid mindfulness intervention was associated with improvement in perceived stress among pediatric residents.Trial Registration: NCT03613441.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise R Purdie
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Irvine School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Myke Federman
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alan Chin
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Diana Winston
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza, Semel 48-241, Los Angeles, CA, 90024-1759, USA
| | - Brenda Bursch
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza, Semel 48-241, Los Angeles, CA, 90024-1759, USA.
| | - Richard Olmstead
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza, Semel 48-241, Los Angeles, CA, 90024-1759, USA
| | - Yonca Bulut
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Irwin
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza, Semel 48-241, Los Angeles, CA, 90024-1759, USA
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He Y, Tang Z, Sun G, Cai C, Wang Y, Yang G, Bao Z. Effectiveness of a Mindfulness Meditation App Based on an Electroencephalography-Based Brain-Computer Interface in Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e44855. [PMID: 37133926 DOI: 10.2196/44855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) can generate considerable physical and psychological discomfort under conscious sedation. App-based mindfulness meditation combined with an electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) shows promise as effective and accessible adjuncts in medical practice. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a BCI-based mindfulness meditation app in improving the experience of patients with AF during RFCA. METHODS This single-center pilot randomized controlled trial involved 84 eligible patients with AF scheduled for RFCA, who were randomized 1:1 to the intervention and control groups. Both groups received a standardized RFCA procedure and a conscious sedative regimen. Patients in the control group were administered conventional care, while those in the intervention group received BCI-based app-delivered mindfulness meditation from a research nurse. The primary outcomes were the changes in the numeric rating scale, State Anxiety Inventory, and Brief Fatigue Inventory scores. Secondary outcomes were the differences in hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation), adverse events, patient-reported pain, and the doses of sedative drugs used in ablation. RESULTS BCI-based app-delivered mindfulness meditation, compared to conventional care, resulted in a significantly lower mean numeric rating scale (mean 4.6, SD 1.7 [app-based mindfulness meditation] vs mean 5.7, SD 2.1 [conventional care]; P=.008), State Anxiety Inventory (mean 36.7, SD 5.5 vs mean 42.3, SD 7.2; P<.001), and Brief Fatigue Inventory (mean 3.4, SD 2.3 vs mean 4.7, SD 2.2; P=.01) scores. No significant differences were observed in hemodynamic parameters or the amounts of parecoxib and dexmedetomidine used in RFCA between the 2 groups. The intervention group exhibited a significant decrease in fentanyl use compared to the control group, with a mean dose of 3.96 (SD 1.37) mcg/kg versus 4.85 (SD 1.25) mcg/kg in the control group (P=.003).The incidence of adverse events was lower in the intervention group (5/40) than in the control group (10/40), though this difference was not significant (P=.15). CONCLUSIONS BCI-based app-delivered mindfulness meditation effectively relieved physical and psychological discomfort and may reduce the doses of sedative medication used in RFCA for patients with AF. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05306015; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05306015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying He
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijie Tang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guozhen Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - ZhiPeng Bao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Kosasih FR, Yee VTS, Toh SHY, Sündermann O. Efficacy of Intellect's self-guided anxiety and worry mobile health programme: A randomized controlled trial with an active control and a 2-week follow-up. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000095. [PMID: 37224139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Digital self-guided mobile health [mHealth] applications are cost-effective, accessible, and well-suited to improve mental health at scale. This randomized controlled trial [RCT] evaluated the efficacy of a recently developed mHealth programme based on cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT] principles in improving worry and anxiety. We also examined psychological mindedness [PM] as a mediator by which app engagement is thought to improve outcomes. The Intervention group completed a 2-week "Anxiety and Worry" programme with daily CBT-informed activities, while the active waitlist-control completed a matched 2-week mHealth programme on procrastination. Participants filled out the Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7], Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], and Psychological Mindedness Scale [PMS] at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-week follow-up. App engagement was measured at post-intervention only. Contrary to prediction, the Intervention group did not perform better than the Active Control group; both groups showed significant improvements on anxiety and depressive symptoms from baseline to follow-up. From post-intervention to follow-up, only the Intervention group showed further improvements for anxiety symptoms. Higher engagement with the mHealth app predicted lower anxiety and depressive symptoms at follow-up, and this relationship was fully mediated by psychological mindedness. This study provides evidence that [a] engaging in a CBT mHealth programme can reduce anxiety and worry, and [b] Psychological mindedness is a potential pathway by which engaging with a mHealth app improves anxiety and depressive symptoms. While overall effect sizes were small, at the population level, these can make significant contributions to public mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Oliver Sündermann
- Research Department, Intellect Co Pte Ltd, Singapore
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore
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Johnson LCM, Aiello JJ, Jagtiani A, Moore KN, Barber L, Gujral UP, Johnson DA. Feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of a mobile mindfulness meditation intervention to improve sleep quality among a racially/ethnically diverse population. Sleep Health 2023; 9:196-202. [PMID: 36371380 PMCID: PMC10122694 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of using a mindfulness meditation mobile application to improve sleep quality among a diverse group of adults. METHODS This explanatory qualitative study used online focus group discussions (N = 4 groups with 17 individuals) to collect information about user experiences with a mindfulness meditation mobile application (Headspace) among participants enrolled in the MINDS study. A rapid analyses approach was used to descriptively compare motivators of app use, barriers and facilitators to app use, and perceived tailoring needs across participants. RESULTS Participants on average were 30 years old, 88% female, and identified as Black/African American (52.9%), White (29.4%), Asian (11.8%), and Hispanic (17.6%). All participants felt the app was acceptable and appreciated the ability to personalize their app experience. Individuals with ≥50% intervention adherence (daily use for 30 days) reported being motivated to use the app because it helped them to fall asleep faster, while the remainder of participants used the app to relax throughout the day and faced external barriers to app use (eg, lack of time) and difficulty with app navigation. Only those participants who used the app exclusively in the evenings reported falling asleep faster and staying asleep. Suggestions for tailoring the app differed by race and age. Only Black/African American participants preferred using an instructor based on their race and gender. CONCLUSION Using a mobile meditation app to enhance sleep quality is acceptable and feasible, but additional tailoring for Black/African American individuals may improve uptake in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie C M Johnson
- Family and Preventative Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Jacob J Aiello
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashna Jagtiani
- Department of Epidemiology Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kyler N Moore
- Department of Epidemiology Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren Barber
- Department of Epidemiology Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Unjali P Gujral
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dayna A Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Kruse CS, Betancourt JA, Gonzales M, Dickerson K, Neer M. Leveraging Mobile Health to Manage Mental Health/Behavioral Health Disorders: Systematic Literature Review. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e42301. [PMID: 36194896 PMCID: PMC9832355 DOI: 10.2196/42301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health is a complex condition, highly related to emotion. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant spike in depression (from isolation) and anxiety (event related). Mobile Health (mHealth) and telemedicine offer solutions to augment patient care, provide education, improve symptoms of depression, and assuage fears and anxiety. OBJECTIVE This review aims to assess the effectiveness of mHealth to provide mental health care by analyzing articles published in the last year in peer-reviewed, academic journals using strong methodology (randomized controlled trial). METHODS We queried 4 databases (PubMed, CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) using a standard Boolean search string. We conducted this systematic literature review in accordance with the Kruse protocol and reported it in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) 2020 checklist (n=33). RESULTS A total of 4 interventions (mostly mHealth) from 14 countries identified improvements in primary outcomes of depression and anxiety as well as in several secondary outcomes, namely, quality of life, mental well-being, cognitive flexibility, distress, sleep, self-efficacy, anger, decision conflict, decision regret, digestive disturbance, pain, and medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS mHealth interventions can provide education, treatment augmentation, and serve as the primary modality in mental health care. The mHealth modality should be carefully considered when evaluating modes of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022343489; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=343489.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Scott Kruse
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Jose A Betancourt
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Matthew Gonzales
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Kennedy Dickerson
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Miah Neer
- School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
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14
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Huberty JL, Espel-Huynh HM, Neher TL, Puzia ME. Testing the Pragmatic Effectiveness of a Consumer-Based Mindfulness Mobile App in the Workplace: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e38903. [PMID: 36169991 PMCID: PMC9557765 DOI: 10.2196/38903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health and sleep problems are prevalent in the workforce, corresponding to costly impairment in productivity and increased health care use. Digital mindfulness interventions are efficacious in improving sleep and mental health in the workplace; however, evidence supporting their pragmatic utility, potential for improving productivity, and ability to reduce employer costs is limited. OBJECTIVE This pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the experimental effects of implementing a commercially available mindfulness app-Calm-in employees of a large, multisite employer in the United States. Outcomes included mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), sleep (insomnia and daytime sleepiness), resilience, productivity impairment (absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment, and non-work activity impairment), and health care use (medical visit frequency). METHODS Employees were randomized at the work site to receive either the Calm app intervention or waitlist control. Participants in the Calm intervention group were instructed to use the Calm app for 10 minutes per day for 8 weeks; individuals with elevated baseline insomnia symptoms could opt-in to 6 weeks of sleep coaching. All outcomes were assessed every 2 weeks, with the exception of medical visits (weeks 4 and 8 only). Effects of the Calm intervention on outcomes were evaluated via mixed effects modeling, controlling for relevant baseline characteristics, with fixed effects of the intervention on outcomes assessed at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Models were analyzed via complete-case and intent-to-treat analyses. RESULTS A total of 1029 employees enrolled (n=585 in the Calm intervention group, including 101 who opted-in to sleep coaching, and n=444 in waitlist control). Of them, 192 (n=88 for the Calm intervention group and n=104 for waitlist) completed all 5 assessments. In the complete-case analysis at week 8, employees at sites randomized to the Calm intervention group experienced significant improvements in depression (P=.02), anxiety (P=.01), stress (P<.001), insomnia (P<.001), sleepiness (P<.001), resilience (P=.02), presenteeism (P=.01), overall work impairment (P=.004), and nonwork impairment (P<.001), and reduced medical care visit frequency (P<.001) and productivity impairment costs (P=.01), relative to the waitlist control. In the intent-to-treat analysis at week 8, significant benefits of the intervention were observed for depression (P=.046), anxiety (P=.01), insomnia (P<.001), sleepiness (P<.001), nonwork impairment (P=.04), and medical visit frequency (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the Calm app is an effective workplace intervention for improving mental health, sleep, resilience, and productivity and for reducing medical visits and costs owing to work impairment. Future studies should identify optimal implementation strategies that maximize employee uptake and large-scale implementation success across diverse, geographically dispersed employers. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05120310; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05120310.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Huberty
- Calm.com, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | - Taylor L Neher
- Center for the Study of Aging, Boise State University, Boise, ID, United States
| | - Megan E Puzia
- Behavioral Research and Analytics, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Espel-Huynh H, Baldwin M, Puzia M, Huberty J. The Indirect Effects of a Mindfulness Mobile App on Productivity Through Changes in Sleep Among Retail Employees: Secondary Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e40500. [PMID: 36169994 PMCID: PMC9557984 DOI: 10.2196/40500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Chronic sleep disturbance is prevalent among United States employees and associated with costly productivity impairment. Mindfulness interventions improve sleep (ie, insomnia and daytime sleepiness) and productivity outcomes, and mobile apps provide scalable means of intervention delivery. However, few studies have examined the effects of mindfulness mobile apps on employees, and no research to date has tested the role of sleep improvement as a potential mechanism of action for productivity outcomes.
Objective
This study examined the effects of Calm, a consumer-based mindfulness app, and sleep coaching, on productivity impairment among retail employees through the indirect effects of changes in insomnia and daytime sleepiness.
Methods
This study was a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial (N=1029) comparing the use of Calm (n=585, 56.9%) to a waitlist control (n=444, 43.2%) for 8 weeks among employees of a large retail employer in the United States. A subset of individuals with elevated insomnia symptoms also had access to brief sleep coaching with Calm (n=101, 9.8%). Insomnia symptom severity, daytime sleepiness, and productivity impairment (ie, absenteeism, presenteeism, overall productivity impairment, and non–work activity impairment) were assessed at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Indirect effects were evaluated with latent growth curve modeling to test whether the Calm intervention (Calm group vs waitlist control) was effective in reducing work productivity impairment through changes in sleep disturbance.
Results
No significant main effects of Calm intervention on productivity impairment were detected for any outcome at α level of .05, with the exception of non–work activity impairment models, in which Calm intervention reduced non–work activity impairment over time (P=.01 and P=.02 for insomnia and sleepiness models, respectively). Significant indirect effects of insomnia were detected for presenteeism (P=.002), overall work productivity (P=.01), and non–work activity impairment (P=.002); Calm intervention produced significantly greater reductions in insomnia symptoms (relative to waitlist control), and decreases in insomnia were associated with decreases in work productivity impairment. There was no significant indirect effect of change in insomnia on changes in absenteeism (P=.20). Furthermore, we detected no significant indirect effects of daytime sleepiness on productivity impairment.
Conclusions
We found that Calm (plus sleep coaching for a small subset of individuals) had beneficial effects on employee sleep, and these benefits on sleep were related to indirect effects on productivity impairment (ie, presenteeism, overall work productivity impairment, and non–work activity impairment). There were no overall main effects of Calm intervention on productivity impairment; however, insomnia appears to be a mechanism associated with benefits for employee productivity. This is one of the first studies to suggest that sleep benefits of a mindfulness mobile app may also indirectly relate to benefits for workplace productivity.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05120310; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05120310
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan Puzia
- Behavioral Research and Analytics, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jennifer Huberty
- Calm.com, Inc, San Francisco, CA, United States
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Arzt M. Schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen – Update 2021. SOMNOLOGIE 2022; 26:111-124. [PMID: 35401046 PMCID: PMC8981185 DOI: 10.1007/s11818-022-00344-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Puzia ME, Green J, Clarke C, Cloonan S, Huberty J. Examining the associations of using the Calm app with team mindfulness and psychological safety in remote workers. ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1539/eohp.2022-0001-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeni Green
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University
| | | | - Sara Cloonan
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University
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Rakhman LV, Plevachuk OY, Shpylovyi IV, Dzis MO, Suvalo OB. AN ANXIETY AS A RESPONSE TO DISTRESS AND AS A SYMPTOM OF STRESS DISORDERS IN WARTIME. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2022; 75:1882-1887. [PMID: 36089873 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202208111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: A comprehensive analysis of anxiety as an emotional state and pathopsychological symptom in the situation of a massive humanitarian catastrophe in wartime. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: A systematic search was conducted up to April 2022 in the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, DOAJ, and CORE. Three reviewers independently assessed full-text articles according to a predefined aim. We used a quantitative and qualitative approach to infer. The range of mental reactions to the intensive stress with a pooled prevalence of anxiety was estimated. Anxiety as an independent structural psychological phenomenon or incorporated into more complicated mental states, including mental disorders, was assessed. CONCLUSION Conclusions: The anxiety features as an expected mental reaction to the threatening environment are established, the analysis of anxiety development trajectories was shown, and the basic principles of psychological care in anxiety states are considered. The criteria of pathological anxiety, the characteristic of the anxiety symptom as a structural element of psychiatric diseases, and the modern methods of treatment of anxiety disorders are presented. Many specialists in the different areas work with anxious people and patients with anxiety disorders in the Ukrainian current situation, so it was concluded that understanding and being aware of the differentiation of anxiety states will improve psychological care and, if necessary, will lead to providing of a full spectrum of specialized medical care.
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Stecher C, Sullivan M, Huberty J. Using Personalized Anchors to Establish Routine Meditation Practice With a Mobile App: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e32794. [PMID: 34941558 PMCID: PMC8734923 DOI: 10.2196/32794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical and mental health benefits can be attained from persistent, long-term performance of mindfulness meditation with a mobile meditation app, but in general, few mobile health app users persistently engage at a level necessary to attain the corresponding health benefits. Anchoring or pairing meditation with a mobile app to an existing daily routine can establish an unconsciously initiated meditation routine that may improve meditation persistence. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the use of either personalized anchors or fixed anchors for establishing a persistent meditation app routine with the mobile app, Calm. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial and randomly assigned participants to one of 3 study groups: (1) a personalized anchor (PA) group, (2) fixed anchor (FA) group, or (3) control group that did not use the anchoring strategy. All participants received app-delivered reminder messages to meditate for at least 10 minutes a day using the Calm app for an 8-week intervention period, and app usage data continued to be collected for an additional 8-week follow-up period to measure meditation persistence. Baseline, week 8, and week 16 surveys were administered to assess demographics, socioeconomic status, and changes in self-reported habit strength. RESULTS A total of 101 participants across the 3 study groups were included in the final analysis: (1) PA (n=56), (2) FA (n=49), and (3) control group (n=62). Participants were predominantly White (83/101, 82.2%), female (77/101, 76.2%), and college educated (ie, bachelor's or graduate degree; 82/101, 81.2%). The FA group had a significantly higher average odds of daily meditation during the intervention (1.14 odds ratio [OR]; 95% CI 1.02-1.33; P=.04), and all participants experienced a linear decline in their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week intervention (0.96 OR; 95% CI 0.95-0.96; P<.001). Importantly, the FA group showed a significantly smaller decline in the linear trend of their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week follow-up (their daily trend increased by 1.04 OR from their trend during the intervention; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P=.03). Additionally, those who more frequently adhered to their anchoring strategy during the intervention typically used anchors that occurred in the morning and showed a significantly smaller decline in their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week follow-up period (1.13 OR; 95% CI 1.02-1.35; P=.007). CONCLUSIONS The FA group had more persistent meditation with the app, but participants in the FA or PA groups who more frequently adhered to their anchoring strategy during the intervention had the most persistent meditation routines, and almost all of these high anchorers used morning anchors. These findings suggest that the anchoring strategy can create persistent meditation routines with a mobile app. However, future studies should combine anchoring with additional intervention tools (eg, incentives) to help more participants successfully establish an anchored meditation routine. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04378530; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04378530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Stecher
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Mariah Sullivan
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Jennifer Huberty
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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