A mindfulness-based intervention for Substance Use Disorder in a Brazilian vulnerable population: a feasibility mixed...

Area of Science:

• Addiction research
• Mental health interventions
• Global public health

Background:

• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a significant global health challenge.
• Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is effective in high-income countries but understudied in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• There is a need to assess MBRP's feasibility in socially vulnerable populations within LMICs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of MBRP as an adjunct to outpatient treatment for SUD.
• To evaluate MBRP's acceptability, demand, implementation, adaptation, and integration in a Brazilian context.
• To conduct limited efficacy testing of MBRP in a socially vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design was employed in eight Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS-ad) in São Paulo, Brazil.
• 140 participants, 24 healthcare professionals, and 7 managers were involved across 17 MBRP intervention groups.
• Qualitative data (interviews, diaries) and quantitative data (pre-post pilot study using TLFB, CES-D, STAXI-2, PACS, RCR, SDS) were collected and triangulated.

Main Results:

• The study sample included socially vulnerable individuals with a high dropout rate due to social factors.
• Despite challenges with engagement and cultural understanding of meditation, MBRP demonstrated positive acceptance.
• The intervention showed benefits for mental health and consumption behaviors.

Conclusions:

• MBRP is feasible and acceptable as an adjunct treatment for SUD in vulnerable Brazilian populations.
• Adapting the MBRP protocol format is crucial for vulnerable groups and integration into public healthcare.
• Future research should focus on protocol modifications, effectiveness in diverse settings, and cost-benefit analyses for wider implementation.