An interventional study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program in Psychological Stress and Academic Stress, sponsored by University of Thi-Qar. Completed at 1 site in Iraq. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-05.
Sponsored by University of Thi-Qar · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
Exclusion Criteria:
Current use of medications affecting HPA axis or cardiovascular function
All 135 participants receive a 4-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program consisting of 8 group sessions (90 minutes each, twice weekly) plus daily home practice (15-20 minutes). Measurements taken at baseline and 4 weeks.
Behavioral: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program
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
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
Plan to share: Yes — Individual participant data collected for all primary and secondary outcome measures, including perceived stress scores, heart rate, blood pressure, and serum hormone levels (ACTH, cortisol, DHEA), along with demographic variables (age, sex) and intervention attendance data.
Supporting information: Study protocol, Sap, Icf, Csr, Analytic code
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
This study is completed, as verified in Feb 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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University of Thi-Qar