Poor Sleep Quality, Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms
Conditions
Keywords
Earthquake Survivors, Psychoeducation, Breathing Exercises, Relaxation Techniques, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, Sleep Quality
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPsychoeducation-Supported Breathing and Relaxation Program
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.
Sponsors
Rana Ceviz
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Assessed by the PTSD-SS | Baseline and immediately after the 3-week intervention | 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. |
| Change in Sleep Quality Assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index | Baseline and immediately after the 3-week intervention | 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. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed