Effectiveness of Tagara (Valeriana wallichii) Versus Counselling in Reducing Occupational Stress among Nursing Personnel: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Keywords:
Tagara, Valeriana wallichii, cognitive-behavioral therapy, occupational stress, nursing staff, anxiety, sleepiness, Ayurveda, quasi-experimental studyAbstract
Occupational stress is a major public health concern among healthcare workers, particularly nurses and paramedical staff, due to high patient loads, emotional labor, and systemic pressures. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an established intervention, there is increasing interest in Ayurvedic solutions such as Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), traditionally used as a nervine tonic and supported by emerging evidence for its anxiolytic and adaptogenic properties. The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Tagara (Valeriana wallichii) combined with CBT versus CBT alone in reducing occupational stress, anxiety, and sleepiness among nursing staff in a tertiary hospital setting. Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test study was conducted with 200 nursing staff randomized into two groups: Tagara + CBT (n=100) and CBT only (n=100). The intervention group received Tagara extract (500 mg BD) alongside weekly 30-minute CBT sessions for 8 weeks, while the control group received CBT only. Primary outcomes included changes in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Secondary outcomes included job satisfaction and safety. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and sleepiness over 12 weeks. The Tagara + CBT group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the CBT-only group: mean PSS reduction was -7.68 ± 2.1 vs. -5.82 ± 1.9 (p = 0.003), GAD-7 reduction was -4.2 ± 1.3 vs. -2.9 ± 1.1 (p = 0.012), and KSS improvement was -2.5 ± 0.8 vs. -1.7 ± 0.6 (p = 0.021). By Week 12, 78% of the Tagara group achieved PSS scores <25 compared to 62% in the CBT group. Tagara recipients also reported greater improvements in job satisfaction and emotional resilience. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Tagara, when combined with CBT, is more effective than CBT alone in reducing occupational stress, anxiety, and sleepiness among nursing staff, and is well tolerated. This integrative approach offers a promising, holistic strategy for occupational stress management in healthcare settings
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