Comparing the Combination of Banana Consumption and Deep Breathing Exercises with Banana Consumption Alone and Deep Breathing Exercises Alone for Anxiety, and Depression among Postmenopausal Women: A Research Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are associated with increased healthcare costs and negative health outcomes. Oestrogen levels decrease after menopause, which may also be accompanied by deterioration in cognitive function along with the symptoms of depression and depressive disorders. Need for the study: The need of the study is evident in postmenopausal women, where physiological changes lead to a decline in vital hormones such as oestrogen and melatonin, contributing to anxiety, depression, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Consuming fruits rich in tryptophan which is a precursor of melatonin and serotonin can reduce sleep disorders and enhance sleep quality. Fruits containing tryptophan and melatonin can improve the sleep quality of healthy adults when consumed for seven days. Bananas are the prime example of nutritious food which enhances the mood-boosting benefits of serotonin. Deep breathing exercises are effective in reducing menopausal symptoms and help to manage stress related to life and menopause. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of a combination of banana consumption and deep breathing exercises with banana consumption alone and deep breathing exercises alone for managing sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression among post-menopausal women. Materials and Methods: A random 3-arm parallel intervention study will be carried out at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi Meghe Wardha, and Near Mai Hospital, Gandhi Nagar Arvi Naka Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The study will be conducted from May 2023 to May 2026. A random sampling technique will be used to select the sample. A total of 135 post-menopausal women, meeting the inclusion criteria will be chosen for the study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will be used to evaluate sleep deprivation, the self-rating anxiety and depression scale will be used to assess depression and anxiety, and serum magnesium tests along with demographic variables will be recorded. Statistical analysis will be performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), among the outcome variables between the three groups. A p-value less than 0.05 will be considered as statistically significant.