The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Therapy on Quality of Life in Women with Multiple Sclerosis, Ahvaz, Iran

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy improved quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis. Forty-eight women in Ahvaz were randomly assigned to an MBSR group or a control group. The MBSR group received eight sessions of treatment; the control group received no psychological treatment. Quality of life was measured with the 36-item questionnaire. The MBSR group showed significantly greater improvement in both mental and physical quality-of-life subscales compared with the control group, and these improvements were maintained at a two-month follow-up. The authors suggest MBSR is useful for improving quality of life in patients with MS.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Low quality of life is one of the most common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which can reduce satisfaction with life, as well as increase death ratio and neuro-mental problems. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy on the quality of life in women with Multiple sclerosis in the city of Ahvaz. Methods: Forty eight patients who had referred to neurologists were selected by convenient sampling and were assigned into two groups (MBSR and control) randomly. The participants of the two groups answered the 36-item quality of life questionnaire. The experimental group was under treatment for 8 sessions while the control group did not receive any psychological treatment. Data were analyzed, using SPSSver.13 software by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: In the MBSR group, the mean subscales of QOL had more significant reduction compare to control group. Also the improvement of all subscales of mental and physical QOL continued after two months later in follow up stage. Conclusion: The findings suggest that MBSR is useful for improving the quality of life in patients with MS.