A 4-week stress reduction program for medical students during exams, measuring effects on stress, heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones (ACTH, cortisol, DHEA).
This single-group pre-post intervention study evaluates the effects of a culturally adapted 4-week stress-reduction program on psychological well-being, cardiovascular function, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormones in Iraqi medical students during examinations. A total of 135 medical students participated in an 8-session mindfulness-based stress management program. Primary outcomes included perceived stress (0-10 visual analog scale), heart rate, blood pressure, and serum levels of ACTH, cortisol, and DHEA, measured before and after the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
135
Culturally adapted 4-week stress reduction program including: * 8 group sessions (2 per week, 90 minutes each) * Mindfulness meditation techniques * Progressive muscle relaxation * Breathing exercises * Psychoeducation about stress * Daily home practice (15-20 minutes) * Led by trained facilitators
University of Thi-Qar College of Medicine
Nasiriyah, Thi-Qar, Iraq
Perceived Stress Score
Perceived Stress Score (0-10 visual analog scale)
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
ACTH Levels
Measure: Levels (pg/mL)
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Cortisol Levels
Measure: Cortisol Levels (µg/dL)
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
DHEA Levels
Measure: DHEA Levels (ng/mL)
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Heart Rate
Measure: Heart Rate (bpm)
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Blood Pressure
Measure: Blood Pressure (mmHg) - Systolic and Diastolic
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
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