Psychoeducation-Supported Breathing and Relaxation for Earthquake Survivors

N/ACompletedNCT07781904

Rana Ceviz90 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled study evaluated whether a structured program combining psychoeducation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques could reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms and improve sleep quality among adult earthquake survivors living in temporary accommodation in Malatya, Türkiye. A total of 90 participants were randomly assigned in equal numbers to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group attended six face-to-face group sessions delivered twice weekly over three weeks. The program included education about trauma and stress, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, coping strategies, sleep hygiene, cognitive restructuring, positive imagery, and guidance for continued practice. The control group received no structured intervention and continued its usual daily routine. Post-traumatic stress symptoms and sleep quality were assessed before and after the intervention using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The study compared changes in these outcomes between the intervention and control groups.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Poor Sleep Quality

Interventions

Psychoeducation-Supported Breathing and Relaxation ProgramBEHAVIORAL

Participants attended six face-to-face group sessions delivered twice weekly over three weeks. Each session lasted approximately 60-75 minutes. The program included psychoeducation about trauma and stress responses, diaphragmatic breathing with approximately 4 seconds of inhalation and 6-8 seconds of exhalation, progressive muscle relaxation, adaptive coping strategies, sleep hygiene, cognitive restructuring, positive imagery, and relapse-prevention guidance. Participants were encouraged to practice diaphragmatic breathing for at least 10 minutes daily and to use the relaxation techniques before sleep. Make-up sessions were offered when necessary.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Experienced the February 6, 2023 earthquakes * Aged 18 to 65 years * Able to read and understand Turkish * Provided written informed consent to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Incomplete or invalid questionnaires * Inability to attend the intervention sessions regularly * Self-reported history of a severe psychiatric diagnosis

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Assessed by the PTSD-SS

Post-traumatic stress symptoms were assessed using the 9-item Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale (PTSD-SS). Each item is scored from 0 to 4, producing a total score ranging from 0 to 36. Higher scores indicate more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment was evaluated.

Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 3-week intervention

Change in Sleep Quality Assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The PSQI consists of seven component scores and produces a total score ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality, and scores above 5 indicate poor sleep quality. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment was evaluated.