THE EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS IN INFLAMMATION MARKERS (IL-6, TNF-Α, CRP AND CORTISOL) AMONG SURVIVORS OF TIDAL FLOODING IN SAYUNG DEMAK

THE EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS IN INFLAMMATION MARKERS (IL-6, TNF-Α, CRP AND CORTISOL) AMONG SURVIVORS OF TIDAL FLOODING IN SAYUNG DEMAK

Recurrent tidal flooding (rob) in the coastal areas of Sayung District, Demak Regency, poses a continuous environmental threat that inflicts housing damage, economic instability, and prolonged socioeconomic uncertainty on local residents. These chronic stressors frequently trigger significant psychological distress, including elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, while simultaneously activating systemic inflammatory pathways and dysregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Mindfulness body scan is a structured, non-pharmacological mind-body technique that involves directing non-judgmental attention to physical sensations across the body. Within a psycho-neuro-immunological framework, mindfulness practice is hypothesized to reduce physiological stress responses, promote autonomic nervous system balance, and downregulate pro-inflammatory pathways.

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a structured 8-day mindfulness body scan intervention on both biological inflammatory markers and psychological outcomes among tidal flood survivors. Participants recruited from Sayung 1 Primary Health Center will be randomly allocated into two groups:

1. Intervention Group: Receives structured 8-day Mindfulness Body Scan training.
2. Control Group: Receives standard health monitoring. All participants will undergo baseline and post-intervention assessments, which include venous blood sampling to analyze key inflammatory and stress biomarkers-Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Cortisol. In addition, psychometric instruments will evaluate changes in depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. The primary objective is to determine whether a short-term mindfulness body scan practice can effectively reduce systemic inflammation and improve post-disaster psychological well-being in coastal communities.

Background: Recurrent tidal flooding in coastal Sayung, Demak, exposes residents to chronic environmental and socioeconomic stress, contributing to psychological distress and elevated systemic inflammation. Within a psychoneuroimmunological framework, mindfulness practices-specifically the body scan technique-may suppress pro-inflammatory pathways and regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Study Design: This is a randomized controlled trial conducted at Sayung 1 Primary Health Center, Demak. Eligible adult survivors of tidal flooding will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group.

Intervention & Control:

• Intervention Group: Receives structured 8-day Mindfulness Body Scan training.
• Control Group: Receives standard health monitoring.

Assessments: Baseline and 1-week post-intervention evaluations will be conducted for all participants:

1. Biomarkers: Venous blood samples to analyze Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Cortisol.
2. Psychometric Assessments: Standardized questionnaires evaluating depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older. Resident of Sayung District, Demak Regency, affected by tidal flooding (rob). Registered patient at Sayung 1 Primary Health Center. Capable of providing written informed consent and participating in the intervention sessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive impairment, active psychosis, or severe psychiatric conditions preventing participation.

Uncontrolled systemic autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. Current use of long-term systemic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy. Inability to complete questionnaires or follow basic mindfulness instructions.