Effectiveness of an online mindfulness-based stress-reduction intervention to reduce anxiety in breast cancer
Ana Ferrigno Guajardo1, Misael Salazar-Alejo2, Fernanda Mesa-Chavez2
1Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Purpose:
This study evaluated the efficacy of an online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention in reducing anxiety among breast cancer (BC) survivors, leveraging the potential advantages of digital delivery to enhance psychosocial care for this population.
Methods:
In this randomized controlled trial, 68 BC survivors with elevated anxiety levels were assigned to either an 8-week online MBSR intervention (n = 33) or a waitlist control group (n = 35). Anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), fatigue (FACIT-F), insomnia (ISI), cancer-related worry (CWS), vasomotor symptoms (MENQOL), and mindful awareness (MAAS) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 5- and 8-months follow-up.
Results:
Compared to the control group, MBSR participants showed significant reductions in anxiety (mean difference -4.13 points, 95CI -6.79 to -1.46, p = 0.003), depression (mean score difference -6.03, p < 0.001), fatigue (mean difference + 6.03, p = 0.002), insomnia (mean difference -3.97, p = 0.026), and cancer-related worry (mean difference -4.57, p = 0.003) at post-intervention, but no change in vasomotor symptoms (p > 0.05). MBSR participants also demonstrated increased mindful awareness (mean difference + 1.00, p = 0.004) that persisted through follow-up. The proportion of participants with clinically significant anxiety decreased from 96% pre-intervention to 38% at 8-months follow-up in the MBSR group, compared to relatively stable rates (88% to 87%) in the control group.
Conclusions:
Online MBSR is a potentially effective intervention for reducing anxiety and improving psychological well-being in BC survivors. This accessible format may help overcome barriers to psychosocial care for cancer survivors.
Gov Id:
NCT05837169.
More Related Videos
10:45A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
05:06Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...