A mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for HIV-infected and at-risk urban youth aged 13–21 was generally acceptable, with 79% of 33 participants attending most sessions. Among 26 program completers (77% female, all African American, average age 16.8 years), quantitative measures showed significant reductions in hostility, general discomfort, and emotional discomfort. Qualitative interviews with 10 participants indicated perceived improvements in interpersonal relationships, school achievement, physical health, and reduced stress. Due to the small sample and lack of a control group, it cannot be determined whether changes resulted from MBSR or nonspecific group effects.
Youth living with HIV often struggle to take antiretroviral therapy (ART) consistently. In a randomized controlled trial of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, interviews with 20 participants aged 13–24 revealed that adherence challenges were tied to managing HIV as a stigmatized chronic condition alongside other social stressors. Those in the MBSR program reported that mindfulness helped them non-judgmentally observe and accept difficult thoughts and feelings about living with HIV and taking ART, which led to greater adherence. The findings suggest mindfulness training may foster self- and illness-acceptance, improving HIV outcomes.
Among female sex workers living with HIV in the Dominican Republic, greater mindfulness was linked to lower depression and HIV stigma, and higher antiretroviral therapy adherence both at the same time and at later time points. Higher mindfulness also showed contemporaneous associations with reduced at-risk alcohol use and higher viral suppression. The findings suggest that mindfulness instruction could help improve mental health and HIV outcomes in this population.