Mindfulness-based stress reduction for HIV treatment side effects: a randomized, wait-list controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• HIV/AIDS Research
• Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV improves longevity but often causes side effects impacting quality of life and adherence.
• Managing ART-related side effects is crucial for long-term HIV management and patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in alleviating symptoms and distress from ART side effects.
• To assess MBSR's impact on medication adherence and psychological functioning in people with HIV.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-six individuals with HIV on ART reporting side effect distress were randomized to MBSR or a wait-list control (WLC).
• Assessments included side effects, ART adherence, perceived stress, affect, and mindfulness at baseline, 3, and 6 months.
• Side effects and distress were measured separately from other symptoms.

Main Results:

• MBSR participants showed a significant reduction in ART symptom frequency at 3 and 6 months post-intervention compared to WLC.
• A significant reduction in distress associated with ART side effects was observed in the MBSR group at 3 months.
• No significant differences were found in medication adherence or psychological functioning between groups at 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a viable approach for mitigating HIV treatment-related side effects.
• MBSR demonstrates potential for improving the quality of life for individuals undergoing ART.