A mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, compared to an active control, improved psychological and HIV-disease outcomes in HIV-infected adolescents. At three-month follow-up, MBSR participants reported higher mindfulness, problem-solving coping, and life satisfaction, and lower aggression. At post-program, they showed higher cognitive accuracy when faced with negative emotion stimuli. Those in the MBSR group were also more likely to have or maintain reductions in HIV viral load at three-month follow-up, suggesting improved HIV disease control, possibly due to better medication adherence. The findings indicate MBSR instruction is beneficial for psychological and HIV-disease outcomes in this population.
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.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for women living with HIV in Ahvaz, Iran. Ninety-two women were assigned to either eight 90-minute MBCT sessions or a no-intervention control group. After the intervention, the MBCT group's happiness scores increased from 30.9 to 40.5 on the Oxford Happiness Inventory, while controls changed minimally from 32.8 to 33.9. Improvements also appeared in self-esteem, mood, self-efficacy, health perception, and life satisfaction, and depression scores decreased. The authors suggest MBCT can enhance happiness and psychological well-being in this population.