Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2023
Ana María González-martín, Agustín Aibar-Almazán, Yulieth Rivas-Campo et al.
64 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that mindfulness programs lasting 8 weeks to 3 months significantly improve mental health in university students. The review searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, initially identifying 321 studies. Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale. The results demonstrate that mindfulness interventions are effective for enhancing the mental health of college students.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2023
Xinyi Zuo, Yong Tang, Yifang Chen et al.
56 citations
A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials with 1,824 participants found that mindfulness therapy had small but significant positive effects on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality. Depression scores improved moderately (standardized mean difference -0.33), anxiety improved similarly (-0.35), stress showed a slightly larger effect (-0.39), and sleep quality improved substantially (-0.81). However, mindfulness therapy did not significantly change mindfulness itself compared to control groups. The authors suggest future research should investigate whether improving adherence and fidelity to mindfulness therapy can further enhance mental health outcomes.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 25, 2024
Yu Kyung Lee, Mark S. Gold, Kenneth Blum et al.
45 citations
Opioid use disorder remains a major public health crisis, with overdose deaths at an all-time high despite increased access to naloxone, buprenorphine, and harm reduction strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened substance use and disrupted treatment. Current medications have not reversed the rising death toll, indicating a need for different prevention and treatment approaches. This article reviews recent trends and limitations of existing medications and briefly examines novel treatments that may be more durable and effective. These include interventional treatments, psychedelics, neuroimmune, nutraceutical, and electromagnetic therapies, which are at various stages of investigation and FDA approval and may reduce overdoses, attenuate OUD, and address comorbid disorders.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2023
Praag Bhardwaj, Monika Pathania, Yogesh Bahurupi et al.
31 citations
A 12-week yoga-based meditation and breath intervention delivered via mobile health (mHealth) reduced burnout and improved professional quality of life among healthcare providers at a north Indian tertiary care hospital. The randomized waitlist-controlled trial enrolled 98 healthcare providers (62 males, 36 females; average age 28.26 years). The experimental group attended weekly online yoga sessions and practiced daily at home; the control group continued usual routines.
Frontiers in Public Health
December 11, 2024
Amy Bartlett, Challian Christ, Bradford Martins et al.
8 citations
A scoping review of academic literature on the intersection of queer identity and psychedelics found only 18 relevant resources from over 30,000 initially captured, revealing that most existing literature stigmatizes and problematizes queer psychedelic use. The review highlights strong interest among queer populations in using psychedelics for healing and identity development, and emphasizes the need for clinicians to understand queer psychedelic experiences to provide safe, effective care. It recommends future research directions to better explore the meaningful overlap between psychedelics and queerness, aiming to center queer experiences as essential in psychedelic research and practice.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2024
Agnieszka Zok, Monika Matecka, Artur Bienkowski et al.
6 citations
A survey of 520 yoga practitioners found that stress reduction was the most common motivation for starting yoga. Regular practice was associated with significantly lower stress levels, and experienced practitioners reported less stress than beginners. Dynamic forms of yoga that combine fluid movements with synchronized breathing were particularly effective. The findings suggest that yoga is an affordable, side-effect-free tool for managing stress across all ages.
Frontiers in Public Health
May 13, 2024
Andy Hau Yan Ho, Stephanie Hilary Xinyi Ma, Jing Ting Ng et al.
4 citations
A randomized controlled trial tested an enhanced version of the Slow Art program, called Slow Art Plus, which combines mindfulness, self-compassion, and creative reflection with Southeast Asian art. Compared to a waitlist control group, participants who completed the single-session program showed immediate improvements in spiritual well-being, describing thoughts and experiences, and nonreacting to inner experiences. One day after the program, the intervention group also showed significant improvements in perceived stress, mindfulness, active engagement with the world, and self-compassion. Focus groups identified themes of peaceful relaxation, self-compassion, and widened perspective. The program may be suitable for social prescribing initiatives.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2022
Sandra L Neate, Jeanette C Reece, Craig Hassed et al.
4 citations
Participants in a 4-week online mindfulness course described developing mindfulness through paying attention to the present moment, letting go, acceptance, gentleness, and a sense of belonging. They reported translating mindfulness into daily life as a support to mental wellbeing, dealing with uncertainty and adversity, living more consciously, connecting with self and others, and channeling attention into productivity. These insights from 527 respondents (16% of 3,335 course completers) suggest how online mindfulness programs can be designed to foster beneficial outcomes.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2024
Robert H Schneider, Michael C. Dillbeck, Gunvant Yeola et al.
3 citations
During global armed conflicts like the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, innovative public health strategies are needed for peacebuilding. Evidence-based meditation from Ayurveda and Yoga, particularly the Transcendental Meditation program, may reduce collective stress and prevent collective violence and war. Empirical studies with cross-cultural replications indicate these practices can lower collective stress and war activity while improving quality of life. The mechanisms involve public health models, cognitive neuroscience, population neuroscience, quantum physics, and systems medicine, addressing brain-based factors underlying collective stress and violence. This perspective suggests Transcendental Meditation and the advanced TM-Sidhi program, as components of Traditional Medicine, could enhance societal well-being and peace.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2024
Sukesh Paranthatta, Titty George, H M Vinaya et al.
3 citations
Sailors who practiced 45 minutes of Cyclic Meditation daily for three weeks experienced reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality, along with lower blood pressure and pulse rate, compared to a control group that continued routine activities. The control group showed no significant changes. The findings suggest that Cyclic Meditation can be a practical routine for sailors to manage anxiety and enhance sleep during long voyages.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2024
Mayra Pires Alves Machado, Emérita Sátiro Opaleye, Andre Bedendo et al.
3 citations
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) as an add-on to outpatient treatment for substance use disorder is feasible in a socially vulnerable Brazilian population, though it faces challenges. A mixed-methods study in eight public Psychosocial Care Centers in São Paulo with 140 participants, 24 healthcare professionals, and 7 managers ran 17 MBRP groups. Qualitative data from interviews and field notes, combined with quantitative pre-post measures of consumption, depression, anxiety, craving, readiness to change, and dependence severity, showed positive acceptance and mental health benefits despite high dropout due to social factors and initial cultural misperceptions of meditation. Adapting the protocol format is needed for effective integration into public healthcare.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2025
Jiaxin Shi, Hao Tian, Jingwen Wei et al.
2 citations
Meditation significantly improves global cognitive performance, sleep quality, and health status in older adults with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. A meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials involving 2,095 participants found that meditation raised Mini-Mental State Examination scores by an average of 2.22 points, improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores by 1.40 points, and increased 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores by 3.50 points. No significant effect on depression was detected. The findings suggest meditation is a useful adjunct therapy, though results should be interpreted cautiously due to heterogeneity and limited sample sizes.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2025
Richa Gawande, Felipe Kalatauma Rosario, Carlos Santiago et al.
1 citation
A community-based peer-led mindfulness intervention called Mandela Yoga, co-developed by Black and Brown yoga teachers, therapists, and community leaders with lived experience of recovery, incarceration, chronic illness, and racism, was implemented as part of a Federally Qualified Health Center reentry program for men of color recently released from incarceration. A qualitative analysis of a 12-week implementation documented attendance and conducted interviews with the peer facilitator and one participant. Four key themes emerged: breath and mind-body connection leading to presence; consistency; peer connection; and agency and positive action. Mandela Yoga shows promise as a mind-body-community intervention for communities of color in recovery and post-incarceration.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2025
Ambra Gentile, Sara Vivirito, Musa Kirkar et al.
1 citation
A combined mindfulness and cold-water immersion program lasting 20 weeks reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in adults aged around 60. Depression scores improved significantly more for older participants than for middle-aged ones. Anxiety also decreased, with no difference between age groups. Perceived executive functioning did not change significantly. The findings suggest the combined training may support healthy aging.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2025
Mateus Torres-Cruz, Mariana Moura-Alves, Renata Pereira Lima et al.
1 citation
A low-cost 12-week program combining socioemotional skills training with moderate physical activity reduced depression scores and negative emotions among adults living in Paraisópolis, one of Brazil's largest favelas, during the final period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in the intervention group showed an average decrease of 3.2 points on the DASS-21 depression scale and a 2.7-point reduction in negative affect on the PANAS scale, while the waiting-list control group showed no such changes. The intervention also lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 7.0 mmHg in hypertensive or pre-hypertensive participants and improved physical endurance and flexibility. Qualitative interviews indicated the program alleviated anxiety and sadness and boosted physical vitality.
Frontiers in Public Health
June 17, 2026
Lawrence Leeman, Maya Armstrong, Dara Menashi et al.
A community-informed, open-label feasibility study will test group psilocybin-assisted therapy for PTSD using whole psilocybin mushrooms. The protocol includes six groups of six participants—veterans, first responders, and women survivors of sexual violence—who will receive two doses (20 mg and 30 mg) of psilocybin in chocolate, combined with group and individual therapy. Outcomes will measure safety, feasibility, and PTSD symptoms using standard scales. A parallel micro-costing analysis will capture delivery costs for community engagement, therapy, and extended integration. The study aims to ensure access and trust for populations facing structural barriers.
Frontiers in Public Health
June 2, 2026
Chiara Saracini
The current neurorights debate, shaped by Global North technocratic logic, focuses on cognitive enhancement and overlooks the Global South's need for basic neurorehabilitation and healthcare. AI-powered neurotechnologies, which modulate cognition indirectly through adaptive algorithms, challenge existing frameworks and risk cognitive extractivism and data colonialism. A proposed neuro-justice framework prioritizes distributive equity and cognitive sovereignty, shifting from enhancement for the few to restoration for the many, and calls for locally anchored infrastructures to avoid widening neuro-inequality.
Frontiers in Public Health
April 14, 2026
Anthony L. Back, Bonnie A. Mcgregor, Leslie L. Thorn et al.
A second experience of group retreat psilocybin therapy appears safe and feasible for people with metastatic cancer who did not fully benefit from a first session. In a small study of 13 partial responders, the protocol was modified with a higher initial dose (35 mg), an optional 10 mg booster, and no requirement to taper antidepressants. Seven participants received the booster. Anxiety and depression scores improved substantially, with 69% of participants scoring below the clinical threshold at follow-up. The proportion reporting a complete mystical experience rose from 38% after the first session to 77% after the second, without more challenging experiences. Social support and group cohesion also improved and were maintained at 24 weeks.
Frontiers in Public Health
April 14, 2026
Su Xia Chen, Zhi Xue Lyu, Zong Ji Hao et al.
A 24-week mindfulness yoga intervention for people with methamphetamine use disorder improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, enhanced physical function and reaction time, and lowered relapse intention compared to a control group receiving no additional intervention. The yoga group also showed favorable changes in inflammatory markers, heart rate variability, and neurotransmitter levels, including increased dopamine and serotonin and decreased norepinephrine. These results suggest that combining mindfulness with yoga may offer a beneficial non-pharmacological approach for supporting recovery in methamphetamine addiction.
Frontiers in Public Health
February 5, 2026
Shudian Cao, Yuantao Cheng, Jia Liu et al.
Brief mindfulness-based interventions lasting 30 minutes or less can improve short-term sport-related performance, especially for precision-based motor skills like golf putting, hand grip strength, basketball tactical performance, and some basketball free-throw shooting and soccer penalty kicks. However, results for basketball free-throw accuracy were mixed, and no significant effects were found for muscular endurance. The interventions varied in type, duration, and delivery mode, with most using 4-30 minutes of audio-guided mindfulness. Evidence remains inconsistent across sport types, and conclusions are limited by the small number of available studies.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 29, 2026
Vivian W. L. Tsang, Camille Roney, Pamela Kryskow et al.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) combines psilocybin with structured psychological support to address psychological, emotional, and existential distress, particularly at end of life. The therapy is relational in nature, recognizing that healing occurs through human connection. Roots to Thrive in Nanaimo, British Columbia, is the only multidisciplinary non-profit healthcare practice in Canada legally offering group PAT, primarily serving terminally ill patients. Between 2022 and late 2024, 471 Special Access Program (SAP) applications were submitted for psilocybin or MDMA in Canada, with about 318 approved.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2026
Neelam Oswal, Pranita Jagtap, Pradnya Dasarwar
Regular practice of ānāpāna, a beginning step of vipassanā meditation, over one academic year improved sustained attention and adjustment with self among 8th-grade students. In a mixed-methods study, 44 students practiced ānāpāna daily for 10 minutes on school days, while 45 served as a waitlisted control. By the program's end, the experimental group showed significantly greater gains in sustained attention (Cohen's d = 0.61) compared to controls. At an interim assessment, adjustment with self also improved more in the experimental group (d = 0.43). Qualitative data from students, teachers, and parents supported these findings, noting better focus, emotional regulation, positive relationships, and strategic use of ānāpāna for stress. The findings suggest ānāpāna practice can benefit educational activities for early adolescents.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2026
Lori Rubenstein Fazzio, Anne Pitman, Shelly Prosko
Death anxiety is common in modern cultures and leads to avoidance of advance care planning and overuse of life-prolonging treatments. This Perspective proposes shifting from a pathogenic focus on life-extension and symptom reduction to a salutogenic approach emphasizing meaning-making and adaptive engagement with mortality. Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence framework—comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness—is presented as a psychosocial resource that supports wellbeing amid existential stressors. Cultivating conscious mortality awareness may strengthen Sense of Coherence. Savasana (corpse pose) is proposed as an embodied contemplative practice for experiential engagement with impermanence, not as a treatment for death anxiety but as a salutogenic practice supporting reflective meaning-making when practiced intentionally across the lifespan.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2025
Sukesh Paranthatta, Titty George, H M Vinaya et al.
correction
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Frontiers in Public Health
January 1, 2025
Jakub Sobieraj, Jakub Sleziak, Michał Szyszka et al.
Among university students in Wrocław, Poland, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is nearly universal, with 96.1% of 493 surveyed students reporting its use. Depression is the most common mental health disorder (74.7% of those with a history). The most popular CAM methods include physical exercise (81.4%), meditation (60.5%), and yoga (39.1%); herbal substances such as lemon balm (53.0%) and ashwagandha (24.8%) are also common, alongside marijuana (31.3%) and psychedelics (10.4%). Key barriers to professional care are cost (80.7%), availability (35.7%), and stigma (30.7%). Students using marijuana, ashwagandha, or St. John's wort report more intense depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that limited access to psychiatric care drives high CAM use, and unsupervised use may pose risks, warranting education and clinical guidelines.