Effectiveness of stress management program for new conscripts on perceived stress and stress management behaviors among new Thai conscripts in Bangkok: A quasi-experimental study
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Abstract
Introduction: New conscripts are risk group for high stress, which lead to depression and suicide. Therefore, we developed a stress management program for new conscripts based on Lazarus and Folkman’s stress management theory, combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, resilience training, dance therapy, breathing exercises, and physical activity.
Objective: To evaluate the program effectiveness on perceived stress and stress management behaviors among new conscripts.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among new conscripts in 2 military training units in Bangkok, randomly assigned to experimental (n=119) and comparison groups (n=117). The experimental group received program for 4 weeks. Data collected by questionnaires at 2 times (pre-test and after program post-test).
Results: After intervention and applying the inclusion–exclusion criteria, 71 participants in experimental group and 69 in comparison group remained. Experimental group showed a significant reduction in perceived stress (p < .001), along with significant improvements in overall stress-management behaviors and emotion-focused coping (p = .014 and .007, respectively), compared with baseline. Post-intervention comparisons between groups indicated that experimental group had significantly lower perceived stress (p < .001), although their stress-management behaviors (overall and by sub-dimension) were not significantly higher than comparison group. In addition, Program demonstrated 73.5% effectiveness in preventing high perceived stress level.
Conclusion: This stress-management program indicated that strong effectiveness in reducing perceived stress among new conscripts. However, program should be refined prior to implementation for enhance comprehensive stress-management behaviors. Particularly, problem-focused coping which more sustainable form of stress management.
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