<p>Patients’ Experiences of a Stress-Management Programme in Primary Care</p>

Abstract

Introduction: Stress and stress-related ill health have a multifactorial impact; both on physical and mental health. To better meet this category of patients a primary care unit started a stress-management programme using cognitive behavioural therapy and basic body awareness therapy. Purpose: To describe participant´s experiences of a primary care stress-management programme using cognitive behavioural therapy and basic body awareness therapy. Methods: In a qualitative study, a semi-structured interview guide was used in individual interviews with 9 people, all women aged 41-57, working or on sick leave, who had enrolled in the stress-management programme. The material was analysed through qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in the theme "Process of change for a sustainable everyday living". The participants described having gained awareness of the symptoms of their stress, knowledge and tools to manage their stress, ways to relax, awareness of their body, and the means to develop better habits and to change their behaviour. Fundamental in the material was the importance of participants' identification with the others in the group. Conclusion: The participants started a process of change with new knowledge and growth, but they encountered difficulties and obstacles. Behavioural change is a time-consuming process.

Introductory Chapter: How Does Stress Impact Human Body?

“…Physical activity is the most effective way to manage endocrine system and mediate stress. It has been reported that diaphragmatic breathing practice improves the cognitive performance and reduces the adverse effect of stress in healthy adults [6,[14][15][16][17]. It has been provided that effective stress management strategies such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, which is defined as a mindfulness activity efficient for integrative body-mind training and reduces stress-related disorders, contribute to healthy lifespan, increase the quality of life, and prevent sudden death [18].…”

Does a brief work-stress intervention prevent sick-leave during the following 24 months? A randomized controlled trial in Swedish primary care

“…However, empirically it is well-known that preventive and rehabilitative measures take time. A qualitative study [25] of women, working or on sick leave, participating in a primary health care stress-management programme reported findings supporting that rehabilitative measures for this group warrants time. As preventive and rehabilitation measures for stressrelated ill health can take time it is possible that the effects of the RCT's preventive intervention were not visible after 12 months.…”

Islamic Spiritual Education Through Visiting Patient App For Brain Tumor Patients

“…The treatment process for brain tumors, which often involves surgery, can cause anxiety that exacerbates the stress patients are already experiencing (Ningsih et al, 2018). Prolonged stress can have a negative impact on the disease and cause depression, making it harder for the patient to cooperate with their treatment program (Köpsén & Sjöström, 2020).…”