Live Video MBSR is a Feasible and Acceptable Adjunctive Therapy for Youth With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Srisindu Vellanki, Christina Holbein, Adoma Boateng, Naomi Pressman, Jacqueline Kirsch, Erica Sibinga, Maria Mascarenhas, Lindsey Albenberg
Global advances in integrative medicine and health January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/27536130251393662 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA pilot study of an 8-session mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program delivered via live video to youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic found high attendance and satisfaction. Of 46 participants (average age 14.1 years, 64% female, 81% with Crohn's disease), 69% attended all 8 classes and 77% were satisfied or very satisfied. Focus groups with 27 participants revealed IBD-specific benefits (reduced stress, which some identified as a trigger, and connecting with peers), mental health benefits, and that virtual MBSR was feasible and well-liked despite challenges. Pre- vs post-program data from 30 participants showed statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life, social functioning, and perceived stress. The authors suggest MBSR is a potential adjunctive therapy in pediatric IBD.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 46 |
| Population | Youth with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-session program, delivered from winter 2021 to spring 2022 |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Crohn’s disease Inflammatory bowel disease Mind body Pediatrics |
| Key finding | A live-video MBSR program for youth with IBD was feasible and acceptable, with high attendance and satisfaction, and showed potential benefits in quality of life and stress reduction. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to be beneficial for adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but little is known about its use in pediatric IBD. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an MBSR program delivered by live-video during the COVID-19 pandemic for youth with IBD. Four cohorts of an 8-session MBSR program were conducted via a HIPAA-compliant, video-conferencing platform from winter 2021 to spring 2022. Mixed-methods data were collected through semi-structured focus groups, study-specific surveys, attendance data, and self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures. Forty-six participants enrolled across 4 cohorts. Participants were 64% female, Mage=14.1 years, 36% non-Latinx White; most had Crohn's disease (81%). Participants attended an average of 7.6 of 8 classes, with 69% attending all 8 classes. Majority of participants (77%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the program. Three themes emerged from the focus groups (n=27): (1) IBD-specific benefits: reduced stress (which some identified as an IBD trigger) and connecting with IBD peers; (2) mental health benefits; and (3) virtual MBSR was feasible and well-liked, but challenges were present. Pre- vs post-program data (n = 30) showed statistically significant improvements in HRQOL (P = 0.04), HRQOL social functioning (P = 0.03), and perceived stress (P < 0.01). This pilot study of live-video MBSR for youth with IBD shows feasibility and acceptability, high rates of attendance and satisfaction, and potential benefits in quality of life and stress. MBSR is a potential adjunctive therapy in pediatric IBD.