Effects and Mechanisms of a Web- and Mobile-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Nurses: Fully Decentralized Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.2196/51549
• Publication Date: 2023-10-24T15:31:10Z
• Authors: Yan'e Lu; Yang Li; Yongqi Huang; Xuan Zhang; Juan Wang; Liuliu Wu; Fenglin Cao
• Keywords: Depression

Background Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a promising intervention for improving mental health. However, there limited evidence on its effectiveness nurses, particularly in web- mobile-based forms, mitigating anxiety depression symptoms. Objective In this study, we aimed to examine the effect underlying psychological mechanisms of ACT nurses’ Methods fully decentralized randomized controlled trial, nurses were recruited nationwide across China through advertisements posters. They randomly assigned either 5-week automated or waiting group. Primary outcomes (anxiety symptoms); secondary (sleep quality, burnout, work performance); mediators (psychological flexibility, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, values) assessed using Wenjuanxing platform. Data collectors blinded group assignments throughout study period. Results A total 145 with symptoms (n=72, 49.7%) control (n=73, 50.3%); 97.2% (n=141) female. During 36 (24.8%) lost follow-up, 53 (73.6%) completed entire intervention. Nurses showed significant improvement (d=0.67, 95% CI 0.33-1.00) (d=0.58, 0.25-0.91), effects sustained 3 months after (anxiety: d=0.55, 0.22-0.89; depression: d=0.66, 0.33-1.00). Changes values mediated symptoms, while mindfulness did not have mediating effect. Conclusions The used significantly improved by values. results provide new ideas hospital administrators prevent intervene issues. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Register ChiCTR2200059218; https://tinyurl.com/4mb4t5y9