Impact of Mindfulness Training on PTSD Symptoms and Sleep Quality in a Cohort of Firefighters

Abstract

Introduction: Firefighters are frequently exposed to traumatic occupational experiences, which may adversely affect their mental health and sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a mindfulness-based intervention on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and sleep quality among firefighters in Shiraz, Iran.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up design. A convenience sample of 70 male trauma-exposed firefighters was recruited (2023–2024). Participants were assigned to either a mindfulness intervention group (n=31; M_age=32.00±4.10) or a control group (n=34; M_age=30.65±3.59). The intervention group received an eight-session (90 minutes/week) mindfulness program, while the control group received no intervention. Assessments utilized the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD (M-PTSD) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using MANCOVA and ANCOVA (SPSS v.28).

Results: The mindfulness group demonstrated significant improvements in sleep quality (pre- test: 9.61, post-test: 5.10, follow-up: 5.74) and PTSD symptoms (pre-test: 100.29, post-test: 92.97, follow-up: 94.29) compared to the control group (p<0.001). Multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance confirmed that the intervention group exhibited significantly lower adjusted mean scores for both variables at post-test and follow-up.

Conclusion: Mindfulness intervention significantly reduced PTSD symptoms and improved sleep quality among firefighters. These findings suggest that mindfulness training is a viable strategy for stress management and mental well-being in this population. Policymakers are encouraged to integrate mindfulness-based programs into occupational health services for firefighters