Quédate Tranquila: A Mobile, Web-based Stress Management Intervention for Hispanic Women

ABSTRACT One in three Hispanic adults report having high levels of stress, with many indicating that their stress has increased in the past year. Chronic stress has been linked to higher rates of depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes risk, including among Hispanic adults. Elevated stress and associated health risks in this population may result from everyday challenges and negative interpersonal experiences. These ongoing stressors have been associated with poorer mental and physical health. Hispanic women, in particular, report high levels of perceived stress. Responsibilities within the home, combined with broader daily demands, may contribute to this high stress burden. Both cognitive-behavioral stress management interventions (CBSMi) and mindfulness meditation training have demonstrated success in reducing stress among Hispanics. However, no existing products account for the daily demands of Hispanic women or the practical challenges of dissemination. One emerging accessible and cost-effective solution is mHealth. Therefore, we aim to develop Quédate Tranquila, a mobile CBSMi (m-CBSMi) that is informed by the day-to-day needs of Hispanic women. Quédate Tranquila will utilize theory (Transactional Model of Stress) to reduce affective, behavioral, and physiological responses to stress and its downstream health consequences. The m-CBSMi will foster healthy coping responses to stress by incorporating content in the form of video testimonials, mobile tools that provide additional social support, and interactive pages that incorporate quizzes and activities. In Phase I, a prototype m-CBSMi was developed. This development was informed by formative research with staff members from a local health center and Hispanic women 18 years of age and older. The results of Phase I strongly support the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the intervention, far exceeding benchmarks established in the Phase I proposal. During Phase II, the m-CBSMi for Hispanic women will be fully developed. Then, in partnership with Mary’s Center, the effectiveness of the m-CBSMi to reduce stress among Hispanic women will be examined. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention conditions or to a matched control condition. Secondary measures will assess coping (social support and health behaviors), well-being (positive/negative affect and mindfulness), subjective health, and knowledge.