The effect of mindfulness meditation nursing on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.
Xiuyun Chen, Lei Ding
African journal of reproductive health March 2, 2026 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i4.7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | Infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation nursing |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Infertility Nursing |
| Key findings | Mindfulness meditation nursing improved psychological outcomes and increased pregnancy rate compared to conventional care alone. |
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of mindfulness meditation (MM) nursing on outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). A total of 100 infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET were randomly assigned to either a conventional care group or an MM group, with 50 patients in each. While both groups received routine nursing, the MM group received additional MM-based nursing interventions. Compared to the conventional group, the MM group showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores (VAS) and better psychological outcomes, as evidenced by improvements in anxiety (SAS), depression (SDS), sleep quality (PSQI), and overall quality of life (WHO-QOL-BREF) (all P<0.001). Moreover, the MM group had higher numbers of punctured follicles and retrieved oocytes (P<0.001), more embryos transferred on day 3 post-retrieval (P=0.047), and a higher pregnancy rate (P=0.045). These findings suggest that incorporating MM into nursing care during IVF-ET can effectively reduce psychological stress, enhance well-being, and improve clinical outcomes.
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 |