Effect of Nurse-Delivered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Postpartum Depression among Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Al-Turath Journal of Nursing December 31, 2025 DOI: 10.63964/atjn.2025.4..4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | Primiparous mothers with elevated risk for postpartum depression |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction |
| Duration | Eight 90-minute weekly sessions; outcomes assessed at 12 weeks |
| Measures | EPDS, GAD-7, SF-12, salivary cortisol |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | MBSR reduced EPDS scores by 4.1 points more than standard care (95% CI -5.8 to -2.4, d = 1.12), with a remission rate of 82.2% versus 37.8%. Cortisol decreased more in the MBSR group (d = 0.89), and effects were larger among mothers with a depression history (d = 1.45). |
Abstract
Background: Postpartum depression affects 10-20% of new mothers. Non-pharmacological interventions are preferred by breastfeeding mothers, yet evidence for mindfulness-based approaches remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate nurse-delivered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on depressive symptoms and stress biomarkers among primiparous mothers with elevated PPD risk.
Methods: Single-center parallel RCT (n = 90). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction group (n = 45): eight 90-minute weekly sessions; Control (n = 45): standard postpartum care. Primary: EPDS at 12 weeks. Secondary: salivary cortisol, GAD-7, SF-12. Analysis: LMM, ITT.
Results: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction achieved clinically significant EPDS reduction (14.2→7.4 vs 14.5→11.8; difference: -4.1; 95% CI: -5.8 to -2.4; p < .001; d = 1.12). The 4.1-point improvement approximates the clinical efficacy of first-line antidepressants, supporting MBSR as a viable alternative for breastfeeding mothers. Cortisol decreased more in MBSR (d = 0.89). Depression history mothers showed larger effects (d = 1.45; interaction p = .024). Remission rate: 82.2% vs 37.8% (NNT = 2.3).
Conclusion: Nurse-delivered MBSR significantly reduces PPD symptoms and stress biomarkers. Findings support MBSR as a first-line non-pharmacological intervention.