The effectiveness of stress management intervention in a community-based program: Isfahan healthy heart program

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of stress managementtraining in improving the ability of coping with stress in a large population.METHODS: Five cross-sectional studies using multistage cluster random sampling wereperformed on adults aged ≥ ۱۹ years between ۲۰۰۰ to ۲۰۰۵ in Isfahan and Najaf Abad asintervention cities and Arak as the control city within the context of Isfahan Healthy HeartProgram. Stress management training was adapted according to age and education levels of thetarget groups. In a ۴۵-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 frombaseline to the last survey were statistically significant in both intervention and reference areas(P < ۰.۰۰۱). While adaptive coping skills increased significantly, maladaptive coping skillsdecreased significantly in the intervention areas. Furthermore, stress levels decreasedsignificantly in the intervention compared to the reference area.CONCLUSION: Stress management programs could improve coping strategies at thecommunity level and can be considered in designing behavioral interventionsKeywords: Stress Management, Community, Intervention, Coping Strategies.