The impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological health among patients with chronic diseases during COVID-19 outbreak lockdown.
Hasnaa Osama, Hoda M Rabea, Mona A Abdelrahman
Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 2023 DOI: 10.1186/s43088-023-00389-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 149 |
| Population | Patients with chronic diseases recruited from university hospital outpatient clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Covid-19 Chronic diseases Psychologic distress |
| Key points | An 8-week audio- and smartphone-delivered MBSR program reduced mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was judged feasible and effective by the authors, who propose integrating such psychological support into clinical settings. |
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has spurred a wide range of psychological morbidities. However, its influence on a vulnerable population with chronic conditions is less addressed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the psychological health among patients with chronic diseases during the elevated psychiatric distress associated with the outbreak and examine the efficacy and feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention (MBSR). The study involved 149 participants recruited from university hospital outpatient clinics. Patients were allocated into two groups: MBSR training program and control group. Standardized questionnaires were administered to assess depression, anxiety and stress prior to the MBSR program and at completion of the training after 8 weeks. The results showed that MBSR intervention improved psychological distress and decreased the mean scores of depression, anxiety and stress. Mindfulness training program based on audio and smartphone was feasible and effective when it was applied to patients with chronic diseases and showed positive impact on negative psychological stress domains. These findings pave the way for the integration of psychological support for patients with chronic illnesses in clinical settings.