METHODS: The study used a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design and included 88 employees from a food and beverage manufacturing factory in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The intervention group received a comprehensive WHP program based on organisational and individual stress management programs that included (i) healthy mental health module, (ii) anxiety management technique, (iii) mindfulness for stress and (iv) stress at work. The module was delivered through the Occupational Stress Management Course and Employee Assistance Program. The control group received no further intervention other than a general brochure on stress. The study period consisted of an intervention period of 3 months followed by a post-intervention period of 3 months. Measurements were recorded at baseline and at 3 month post-intervention. Outcome measures included the self-perceived depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21), participant's quality of life (WHOQOL), coping skills (COPE-28) and job characteristics (JCQ).
RESULTS: The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in self-perceived stress, anxiety, and depression scores three months post intervention (p ≤ 0.001). All domains of health-related quality of life and coping skills related to social support and problem-solving were significantly improved in the intervention group following the intervention (p control group, no significant changes were observed in all the parameters.
CONCLUSION: WHP program shows promising results in improving mental health status, quality of life and coping skills among the manufacturing workers.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of a five-minute mindful breathing practice performed three times per day for three months on perceived stress and mindfulness among patients with cancer.
METHODS: This longitudinal, randomized controlled study used a two-group, pre-/post-study design. Patients with distress scores of 4 or higher were randomized into two study arms. Participants in the intervention group were educated on mindfulness and guided on how to perform a five-minute mindful breathing practice. Perceived stress and mindfulness were assessed at baseline, one month postintervention, and three months postintervention.
FINDINGS: Both groups had no significant difference in perceived stress and mindfulness scores at baseline. At three months, the intervention group reported a significant reduction in stress and an increase in mindfulness.