The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on happiness of women with HIV in Iran.
Nahid Asadi, Parvin Abedi, Parvaneh Mousavi, Shahla Molavi, Mohammad Hossein Haghighizadeh
AIDS Care April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2025.2605514 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 92 |
| Population | Women living with HIV in Ahvaz, Iran |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Measures | Oxford Happiness Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Sdg3 Women’s mental health |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy increased happiness scores and reduced depression among women with HIV compared to a control group. |
Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in enhancing happiness among women living with HIV in Ahvaz, Iran. A randomized controlled trial assigned 92 eligible women to either an MBCT group (n = 46) or a control group (n = 46). The MBCT group participated in eight 90 min sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Oxford Happiness Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory-II. Statistical analyses included chi-square, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). Post-intervention, the MBCT group showed a significant increase in happiness (30.9 ± 7.1 to 40.5 ± 4.9) compared to minimal change in controls (32.8 ± 7.1 to 33.9 ± 7.0, p < 0.001). Subscale improvements included self-esteem (2.1 ± 1.4 to 3.3 ± 1.0), mood (8.8 ± 2.9 to 11.0 ± 2.5), self-efficacy (3.4 ± 1.7 to 4.8 ± 1.7), health perception (6.8 ± 2.1 to 9.2 ± 1.6), and life satisfaction (11.7 ± 3.4 to 14.7 ± 2.5) (all p < 0.01). Depression scores decreased significantly (16.6 ± 4.9 to 11.9 ± 3.1, p < 0.001). Findings indicate MBCT effectively enhances happiness and related psychological factors in women with HIV, supporting its role in improving mental well-being.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20231004059614N1.