The effects of stress reduction strategies of breathing technique relaxation programme and positive psychology on biochemical variable response among schoolteachers

We aimed to investigate the effects of job stress on the biochemical variables of schoolteachers before and after stress reduction strategies. In 2019, 200 schoolteachers (98 males, 102 females) in the private and fully aided higher secondary schools of urban and rural areas in Vellore, India were enrolled in the study based on the principle of consecutive sampling. Questionnaires were used to investigate demographic characteristics and occupational stress-related factors. Fasting blood glucose was detected by venous plasma and a biochemical analyser with the cut-off thresholds method. Salivary cortisol was determined by the specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit method. Total cholesterol in serum was determined by the CHOD-PAP method. Serumalbumin was detected by the bromocresol green dye-binding method on a Roche Modular DP analyser (Roche Diagnostics). Blood pressure was measured by aneroid sphygmomanometers. Levels of fasting blood glucose, salivary cortisol, albumin and cholesterol were lower in the high-tension group than those in the low-tension group. Those of the high-coping strategy group were higher than those of the low-coping strategy group. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure significantly reduced among the intervention groups after administering the relaxation response programme for three and six weeks, respectively, to urban and rural school teachers. Occupational stress can lead to increased salivary cortisol, cholesterol, albumin, blood glucose and blood pressure levels. The relaxation response programme resulted in quantifiable improvements in physiological markers of stress in rural and urban schoolteachers.

Effectiveness of Multi Interventional Package on Selected Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome among Women: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of multi interventional package (MIP) and lifestyle interventions (LI) on physiological parameters of women with metabolic syndrome, to compare the effectiveness of MIP and LI on biochemical parameters of women with metabolic syndrome and to compare the effectiveness of MIP and LI on socio-psychological parameters of women with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A quasi experimental nonequivalent control group design with two experimental groups and one control group was used to collect data from 60 self-help group women. Samples were selected by multistage sampling. Reflexology foot massage, dietary modification, moderate intensity exercise and structured education were given to MIP group and dietary modification, moderate intensity exercise and structured education were given to LI group for 12 weeks. Control group received routine care. Demographic and clinical data sheets were used to collect basic information. Knowledge was assessed by a knowledge questionnaire. Physiological (weight, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure) and biochemical parameters (HDL, triglycerides and FBS) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The study found significant change in the physiological and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome as well as knowledge among the MIP group and LI group compared to the control group (p < .001). CONCLUSION: MIP and LI are effective in controlling the parameters of metabolic syndrome. Hence the guidance may be provided to women with metabolic syndrome for adopting necessary lifestyle changes as well as reflexology foot massage to control the physiological and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome.