Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adults Living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Lori A J Scott-Sheldon, Brittany L Balletto, Marissa L Donahue, Melissa M Feulner, Dean G Cruess, Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher, Rena R Wing, Michael P Carey
AIDS and behavior 2019 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2236-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,059 |
| Population | People living with HIV/AIDS (average age 42 years; 20% women; living with HIV an average of 8 years; 65% on antiretroviral therapy) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Hiv infections Cd4 lymphocyte count Quality of life Adult Meta-analysis Systematic review Intervention |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions were associated with modestly reduced depressive symptoms versus controls (d = 0.37) and, within intervention groups, with reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms and improved quality of life (d = 0.40-0.85). No significant changes were observed for CD4 counts between or within groups. |
Abstract
This meta-analysis examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on stress, psychological symptoms, and biomarkers of disease among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Comprehensive searches identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria (N = 1059; M age = 42 years; 20% women). Participants had been living with HIV for an average of 8 years (range = < 1-20 years); 65% were currently on antiretroviral therapy. Between-group analyses indicated that depressive symptoms were reduced among participants receiving the MBIs compared to controls (d+ = 0.37, 95% CI 0.03, 0.71). Within-group analyses showed reductions in psychological symptoms (i.e., less anxiety, fewer depressive symptoms) and improved quality of life over time among MBI participants (d+s = 0.40-0.85). No significant changes were observed for immunological outcomes (i.e., CD4 counts) between- or within-groups. MBIs may be a promising approach for reducing psychological symptoms and improving quality of life among PLWHA. Studies using stronger designs (i.e., randomized controlled trials) with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to clarify the potential benefits of MBIs for PLWHA.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention for improving the mental health of adolescents with HIV in Uganda: An open-label trial. PLoS One 2024
- Waitlist-controlled trial of an online intervention to address mental health among older people living with HIV. Antiviral therapy December 1, 2023
- HIV Patients' Mindfulness Moderates How Death Anxiety and Depression Impact Life Quality. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying December 18, 2024
- Longitudinal analysis of the role of mindfulness on HIV stigma, depression, substance use and HIV outcomes among female sex workers living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. AIDS Care 2025
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Symptom Management in Older Individuals with HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. AIDS and behavior June 1, 2024
and 5 more in the library
Cites 13
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression August 21, 2006
- How Does Mindfulness Training Affect Health? A Mindfulness Stress Buffering Account Current Directions in Psychological Science December 1, 2014
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. Industrial Psychiatry Journal October 29, 2024
- Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Annals of Behavioral Medicine September 22, 2016
and 8 more in the library