Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding: A phenomenological study of mothers and healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND

Earthquakes are natural disasters with devastating effects, often leading to the stress related symptoms in affected individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of relaxation-based exercises on individuals experiencing post-earthquake stress-related symptoms in an earthquake-prone region.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This randomized, waitlist-controlled, parallel group study included 46 participants with moderate post-traumatic stress levels (Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale [PDS]) and anxiety for over 1 month (Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]). Participants were randomly assigned to a relaxation-based exercise group (REG, n = 24) or a waitlist control group (Control Group (CG), n = 25). The relaxation exercises group (REG) received relaxation-based structured, supervised exercises for 4 weeks, consisting of sessions three days a week, each lasting 40 min, while the CG awaited treatment. Assessments included the PDS, BAI, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale-10, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) Quality of Life Scale at baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.

RESULTS

Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in anxiety (P = 0.001), depression (P = 0.001), perceived stress (P = 0.001), and sleep quality (P = 0.001) for the REG. The CG showed decreased depression symptoms (P = 0.011) and improved sleep quality (P = 0.012). There were no significant group differences in quality-of-life outcomes (P > 0.05), though REG showed greater improvement in depression (P = 0.042, d = 0.054) and perceived stress scores (P = 0.027, d = 0.106).

CONCLUSIONS

Relaxation-based exercises can improve sleep quality in individuals experiencing post-earthquake stress; reduce depression and especially anxiety and perceived stress. This approach can be used as a novel rehabilitation model in preventive mental health of the community.