The effects of lifestyle improvements and mindfulness-based stress reduction on pregnancy rate and anxiety in infertile women undergoing IVF: A randomized clinical trial.
Padideh Malekpour, Zahra Motaghi, Robab Hasanzadeh, Reza Chaman, Farjamfar Maryam, Mojgan Javedani Masroor
Journal of Education and Health Promotion 2025 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_990_24 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 300 |
| Population | Infertile couples who were candidates for assisted reproductive technology |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Infertility Lifestyle Technology-assisted reproductive |
| Key findings | The intervention group had a higher clinical pregnancy rate (39.3% vs 22%) and higher health-promoting lifestyle scores, and lower anxiety scores, than the control group. The authors argue that improving lifestyle choices, cultivating awareness of body and soul, and maintaining a non-judgmental attitude toward the environment can lead to better outcomes in achieving the desire for a child. |
Abstract
The lengthy and multi-stage nature of assisted reproductive technology (ART) can impose financial and social burdens on couples while also affecting their psychological well-being. Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques help individuals cope effectively and cultivate inner calm. Additionally, lifestyle choices can impact fertility outcomes. In this study, we investigated the effects of mindfulness and health-promoting lifestyles on in vitro fertilization outcomes in infertile couples. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 300 infertile couples who were candidates for ART. The block randomization method randomly assigned participants to the intervention or control groups. The intervention group received an educational program of eight weeks of face-to-face interactive sessions supplemented by social media support. The control group received standard care. We compared the number of clinical pregnancies, health-promoting lifestyle scores, and anxiety levels between the two groups using Chi-square tests and independent t-tests. The clinical pregnancy rate in the intervention group (39.3%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (22%) (P < 0.001). After the intervention, the mean health-promoting lifestyle scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, anxiety scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Simultaneously improving lifestyle choices, cultivating awareness of body and soul, and maintaining a non-prejudiced attitude toward the environment can lead to better outcomes in achieving the desire for a child.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Effect of mindfulness-based cognitive infertility stress therapy on psychological well-being of women with infertility Middle East Fertility Society Journal June 28, 2018
- Mindfulness for psychosis: Current evidence, unanswered questions and future directions Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice June 30, 2023
- Mindfulness improves the mental health of infertile women: A systematic review. Journal of public health research July 1, 2023
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Health Insurance Coverage: If, How, and When? An Integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT) Delphi Key Informant Analysis Mindfulness May 1, 2024
- The effectiveness of mindfulness training on coping with stress, exam anxiety, and happiness to promote health Journal of Education and Health Promotion May 31, 2021