Date of Award
Spring 5-25-2024
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Razel Milo, Ph.D., DNP, FNP-C, APRN
Abstract
Introduction: This evidence-based Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to demonstrate the impact of Calm mobile application mindfulness activities on perceived stress levels in peri- and post-menopausal women ages 45 - 60 years old in a community setting.
Background: In 2020, 31.8 million women in the United States (U.S.) were between 45 and 60 years old. They are mothers, daughters, employees, and bosses, navigate intimate and social relationships, and are often caregivers. It can be a stressful stage of life. Meanwhile, these women experience menopausal changes, including hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Peri- and post-menopausal women are three times more likely to experience negative emotions.
Furthermore, the physical and emotional stress of menopause can have long-term health consequences. A mindfulness-based mobile app is an effective stress reduction tool. The purpose of this project was to reduce stress in peri- and postmenopausal women utilizing mindfulness interventions in the Calm mobile app.
Evidence-based Practice Process: The volunteers completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and reported menopause symptoms before and after utilizing the Calm mobile application for eight weeks.
Evaluation of Outcomes: Overall, there was a 17.34% reduction in PSS-10 scores after treatment compared to before treatment. Additionally, 41.67% of volunteers reported less troublesome menopause symptoms after treatment, including brain fog/concentration problems, sleep problems, and hot flashes/night sweats. Only 8.3% of volunteers used the Calm app daily. However, 66.70% reported increased utilization of other mindfulness activities such as prayer, meditation, yoga, and pilates to reduce stress.
Conclusion: Mindfulness activities can reduce stress in peri- and post-menopausal women. The Calm mobile app is one of multiple possible vehicles for mindfulness activity. The reduced perceived stress may be due to increased awareness of stressors and stress-relieving qualities of activities volunteers already do, like prayer and meditation.
Keywords: Menopause, menopause transition, stress, mindfulness, mobile application
Digital USD Citation
Brown,, Roxane M. BSN, RN, "There’s an App for That: Reducing Stress in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts. 285.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dnp/285
Copyright
Copyright held by the author