Veterans' interests, perceptions, and use of mindfulness

Mindfulness-based interventions are an evidence-based approach utilized in health care. There is developing evidence for effective use with military Veterans. However, little is known about Veterans' view of mindfulness. This study aims to understand their interests, perceptions, and use of mindfulness to enhance educational outreach and treatment engagement.

A cross-sectional study was conducted across the Veterans Health Administration in Salt Lake City, UT by administering a questionnaire to military Veterans. The questionnaire included the following themes: (1) demographics and respondents' mindfulness practice; (2) respondents' perceptions and beliefs about mindfulness; and (3) respondents' knowledge and interest in learning about mindfulness.

In all, 185 military Veterans were surveyed; 30% practiced mindfulness in the past year, mainly for stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep, and depression. Over 75% who practiced reported perceived benefit. Veterans rarely reported negative beliefs about mindfulness; 56% perceived an understanding of mindfulness and 46% were aware of Veterans Health Administration mindfulness offerings. In all, 55% were interested in learning about mindfulness, 58% were interested in learning how it could help, and 43% were interested in combining mindfulness with a pleasurable activity.

Educational engagement approaches should be directed toward the benefits of mindfulness practice with minimal need to address negative beliefs. Outreach including education, with an experiential component, about mindfulness classes, availability of evening and weekend classes, individual sessions, and virtual offerings into Veteran's homes, may enhance engagement in mindfulness-based interventions. Mindfulness-based interventions that combine mindfulness training with an experiential pleasurable activity may be one mechanism to enhance treatment engagement.