NCT07123311

Implementation and Evaluation of an Internet-Based Stress Management Program for Health Students in the Sfax Region

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Sfax · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The objective of this experimental study (randomized controlled trial) is to evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based stress management program, inspired by the French program "Je gère mon stress," among healthcare students in Sfax, Tunisia. The target population includes all healthcare students over 18 years old, from any field (paramedical, nursing, medicine, etc.), regardless of their baseline level of perceived stress. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does the online program significantly reduce the level of perceived stress (measured using the Perceived Stress Scale - PSS-10)? Does the program have a beneficial impact on symptoms of anxiety and depression (measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS)? Does it improve sleep quality (assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI)? Comparison group: Researchers will compare the outcomes of the intervention group (who will access the online stress management program for 8 weeks) with those of the control group (waiting list, no initial access), to evaluate the specific effects of the program. Participants will: Complete three validated questionnaires (PSS-10, HADS, and PSQI) before and after the intervention; Be invited to follow a weekly series of psychoeducational modules over 8 weeks, including short educational videos, breathing techniques, guided relaxation, and practical exercises, all accessible through a secure web platform; Receive weekly motivational messages to support engagement.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of an internet-based stress management program tailored for healthcare students in Sfax, Tunisia. The intervention is an adaptation of the validated French program "Je gère mon stress," redesigned to fit the local sociocultural context. The study targets healthcare students aged 18 and above, from various disciplines (nursing, physiotherapy, midwifery, anesthesia, etc.), regardless of their baseline perceived stress levels. Participants in the intervention group will receive access to an 8-week structured online program composed of: Weekly psychoeducational video capsules (covering stress mechanisms, coping strategies, relaxation techniques, etc.), Guided breathing and relaxation exercises, Simple cognitive-behavioral tools, Time management and lifestyle advice. All participants will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention using three validated instruments: PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) to evaluate perceived stress, HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression, PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) to measure sleep quality. A control group will not receive any intervention during the 8-week period but will be offered the program after the study ends (waiting list design). This design allows a fair comparison between groups and ensures ethical access to the intervention. The program is fully accessible online via a secure platform and requires no in-person attendance. Participants will receive weekly reminders to complete the sessions and questionnaires. The main outcome is the change in perceived stress levels. Secondary outcomes include changes in anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. This study contributes to addressing the high psychological burden observed in healthcare students in Tunisia and promotes the use of digital tools for mental health support in academic settings.

Conditions

• Anxiety Depression (Mild or Not Persistent)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Online Stress Management Program	This is an online pilot stress management program tailored for health students, combining cognitive-behavioral therapy and guided mindfulness meditation. Over eight sessions, participants engage with interactive psychoeducation modules, videos, and practical exercises to understand stress and develop coping strategies. The sessions cover stress awareness, mindfulness meditation (basic and advanced), breathing techniques, time management using the Eisenhower matrix, and cognitive-behavioral methods to foster positive thinking and problem-solving. The final session helps participants create a personalized action plan to integrate learned skills into daily life. Throughout the program, a support group encourages interaction and provides ongoing guidance to enhance well-being and stress management.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-15
• Primary completion: 2025-11-15
• Completion: 2025-12-15
• First posted: 2025-08-14
• Last updated: 2025-08-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Tunisia