Nurse-Led, Digitally Supported Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Early Postmenopausal Women: Protocol for a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial.
Shashirani Pangambam, Bidita Khandelwal, Barkha Devi, Seeta Devi, Sonam Ongmu Lasopa
Journal of Holistic Nursing April 28, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/08980101261444517 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized waitlist-controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 128 |
| Population | Early postmenopausal women from rural and urban areas |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | Eight-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Holistic nursing Menopause |
| Key findings | The study is expected to provide evidence supporting feasible, holistic, nurse-led, nonpharmacological care for early postmenopausal women in community settings. |
Abstract
Early postmenopause is characterized by persistent menopausal symptoms that may impair quality of life. Globally, early postmenopausal care is constrained by sociocultural barriers and limited availability of nurse-led, nonpharmacological services. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), aligned with holistic nursing philosophy, lacks evidence in culturally adapted, nurse-led, digitally supported formats for early postmenopausal women. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a nurse-led digitally supported MBSR program for early postmenopausal women on quality of life and holistic health indicators. A total of 128 early postmenopausal women from both rural and urban areas will be recruited for this community-based randomized waitlist-controlled trial. After screening and informed consent, participants will be randomized to an eight-week nurse-led MBSR intervention or a waitlist control group receiving routine care. The digitally delivered intervention includes mindfulness meditation, mindful breathing, gentle yoga, attention-based practices, and supervised daily practice. Menopause-related quality of life measured by the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire is the primary outcome; secondary outcomes include mindfulness, sexual function, and program acceptability. Assessments will occur at baseline and post-intervention, with weekly MENQOL tracking. This study is expected to provide evidence supporting feasible, holistic, nurse-led, nonpharmacological care for early postmenopausal women in the community settings.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Mindfulness training for coping with hot flashes Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society March 4, 2011
- Mindfulness for Menopausal Women: Enhancing Quality of Life and Psychological Well-Being Through a Randomized Controlled Intervention. Journal of Nursing Scholarship July 1, 2025
- Relationships between mindfulness practice and levels of mindfulness, medical and psychological symptoms and well-being in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Journal of Behavioral Medicine February 2008