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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07451145

Stress Reduction Program for Iraqi Medical Students

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).

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Key information

Conditions

Psychological Stress Academic Stress Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Stress, Psychological

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Thi-Qar College of Medicine

Nasiriyah, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • - Medical students at University of Thi-Qar College of Medicine
  • Currently enrolled and preparing for examinations
  • Age 18 years or older
  • Willing to participate in 8 intervention sessions
  • Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Current use of medications affecting HPA axis or cardiovascular function
  • Diagnosed chronic medical or psychiatric conditions
  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Previous participation in formal mindfulness or stress management training

Treatment and study plan

mindfulness-based stress reduction program

Behavioral

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

Primary outcomes

  1. Perceived Stress Score

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Perceived Stress Score (0-10 visual analog scale)

  2. ACTH Levels

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Measure: Levels (pg/mL)

  3. Cortisol Levels

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Measure: Cortisol Levels (µg/dL)

  4. DHEA Levels

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Measure: DHEA Levels (ng/mL)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Heart Rate

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Measure: Heart Rate (bpm)

  2. Blood Pressure

    Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

    Measure: Blood Pressure (mmHg) - Systolic and Diastolic

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Thi-Qar

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Stress Reduction Intervention on Psychological, Cardiovascular, and Neuroendocrine Outcomes in Iraqi Medical Students During Examinations

Acronym: SRIMS

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 5, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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