Evaluation of a Web Application That Supports Behavior Change in Work Related Stress

A randomized controlled trial is needed to strengthen the evidence in the area of web-based self-management programs for stress-reduction. Aim The aim for the study is to compare the effects of the web-application that supports behavior change in stress-management to a waiting list group in persons with perceived stress. Method This study will have the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The CONSORT guidelines will be used for reporting the study. Sample: Different sectors in the region will be included. Three different high-schools in Västerås City, social services authority in Västerås municipality, a large private company in the region, three different clinics within the county council and the municipality of Köping have signed the attestation of participation. Intervention: The intervention is the program for web-based stress self-management My Stress Control. Procedure: After informed consent the participants will, during approximately 2-4 months by their own go through the web-based program for stress self-management. The waiting-list group will also get access to My Stress Control after post-measurements. Data-analysis: Descriptive statistics will be used for demographic data. Missing data will be replaced as recommended for the different measurements included, commonly by using the mean for responded items within the sub scale. Inferential analyses will be conducted by using multivariate statistical analysis. Drop-out analysis will be conducted by comparing pre-interventions measures for those who completed the program with those who did not.