Effect of Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning Approach on Knowledge and Anxiety Levels Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Limited knowledge regarding cervical cancer prevention and elevated anxiety levels may hinder women's participation in preventive measures. Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning integrates mindfulness practices with social-emotional learning strategies and may enhance health knowledge while reducing anxiety.

Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design was conducted among 80 women attending gynecological outpatient clinics in Egypt. Participants were assigned to a study group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40). Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire, a cervical cancer knowledge questionnaire, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The study group received an eight-week MBSEL intervention incorporating mindfulness exercises, social-emotional learning activities, and cervical cancer education, while the control group received routine health education. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Following the intervention, the study group had significantly higher mean knowledge scores regarding cervical cancer prevention, with mean knowledge scores increasing from 38.71 ± 10.41 to 66.25 ± 8.95 compared with 42.09 ± 15.95 in the control group (t = 8.355, p < 0.001). Good knowledge levels increased from 2.5% to 35.0%, while poor knowledge declined from 62.5% to 0.0%. Anxiety levels significantly improved in the study group, with mean BAI scores decreasing from 38.68 ± 6.32 to 22.20 ± 3.91 compared with 34.28 ± 9.53 in the control group (t = 7.414, p < 0.001). Low anxiety increased from 2.5% to 62.5% in the study group compared with 7.5% to 12.5% in the control group, and severe anxiety was eliminated from 27.5% to 0.0% in the study group compared with 32.5% to 22.5% in the control group after the intervention.

Conclusions: The MBSEL approach effectively enhanced women's knowledge regarding cervical cancer prevention and significantly reduced anxiety levels. Integrating mindfulness practices with social-emotional learning and health education appears to strengthen cognitive engagement and emotional regulation. Clinical

Trial Registration: Registered in accordance with WHO and ICMJE standards (Trial number: PACTR202605512267205). Registration date: 29 May 2026.