JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Women living in rural settlements face intersecting challenges related to social, economic, racial and gender vulnerabilities, which significantly increase their likelihood of developing physical and mental health problems. Despite the potential of telephone-based interventions to promote mental health, there is a lack of studies assessing their feasibility and effectiveness among underserved populations in Brazil.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effects of a telephone-based intervention on mental health outcomes among women living in a rural settlement in Brazil.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive, prospective pilot study with a pre and post-test design. Data were collected at three time points: baseline, one week, and one month after the intervention. The outcomes assessed included quality of life, social support, self-efficacy and symptoms of common mental disorders (CMD). Non-parametric tests were used to analyze the data. The intervention consisted of three phone calls supported by a workbook, with content based on cognitive-behavioral and psychiatric nursing principles.

Results:

Of the 31 women enrolled, 23 completed all three phone-based sessions (74.2% adherence). A significant reduction in CMD symptoms, particularly in the somatic domain, was observed. In addition, participants reported improved perceptions of the physical domain of quality of life. All women rated the intervention positively, with more than half emphasizing its practical usefulness.

Conclusions:

The telephone-based intervention was feasible and showed promising results in improving mental health outcomes among women in rural settings. These findings support the integration of low-intensity, remote psychosocial strategies into primary healthcare, particularly those led by nurses, to expand access to mental health promotion for vulnerable populations.