Perceptions of Cardiovascular Stress Management in University Employees

Stress Reduction has numerous benefits for patients who have cardiovascular risk factors. However, it is not a largely emphasized component of cardiac rehabilitation programs. This study aims to evaluate health perceptions of university employees and their self-reported workplace stress level. A qualitative, survey-based approach was used to better understand how employees perceived their stress levels, the existence of other cardiovascular risk factors (positive family history, personal medical history, lifestyle), and willingness to use a smartphone app as a daily stress reduction intervention. A sample (N=231) participated by answering survey questions sent to them via an email link. The survey tool included the following: a demographic analysis, evaluation of lifestyle factors, a brief health history and perceptions of health, Workplace Stress Survey from the American Institute of Stress, and evaluation of access to smartphone and willingness of using an app (Breathe2Relax) in daily stress management. All surveys were anonymous. The results that emerged showed a wide variety of individual factors; 129 university employees expressed willingness to use an app as a stress management intervention; 102 employees denied interest in using an app intervention.

Patient education and health promotion efforts should reflect that a healthcare professional is using the most current evidence as well as the patient’s own preferences and values to aid lifestyle modifications. Results from this study help illustrate the importance of considering patient perceptions when creating interventions for chronic disease management or interventions for overall patient wellness. Advocating for the health of patients with risk factors or current existence of cardiac disease is essential in preventing adverse cardiac events such as heart attack or stroke. Stress Reduction has numerous benefits for patients who have cardiovascular risk factors, and this study demonstrates that while the majority of participants are willing to utilize one method of stress reduction (a smartphone application emphasizing breathing exercises), a large percentage of the sample deny willingness to use.