Impact of Nurse-led Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Programs on Patients with Anxiety and Depression: A Systematic Review
Keywords:
Mindfulness, Nurse-led intervention, Stress reduction, Anxiety, Depression, Systematic review, Mental health nursingAbstract
Background:
Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health conditions globally. Nurse-led mindfulness and stress reduction interventions have emerged as accessible, cost-effective strategies to support patients' mental well-being. However, the effectiveness of these interventions requires synthesis through systematic evidence.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led mindfulness and stress reduction programs on anxiety and depression outcomes in adult patients.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Six peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus, were included. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies that assessed nurse-led mindfulness or stress reduction programs targeting anxiety and/or depression in adult populations. Data were extracted and pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model.
Results:
The review included 582 participants across six studies (n = 288 intervention, n = 294 control). The pooled effect size for anxiety was significant, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.64 (95% CI: −0.89 to −0.39; p < 0.001), indicating a moderate effect of the intervention. For depression, the pooled SMD was −0.57 (95% CI: −0.81 to −0.33; p < 0.001), also reflecting a moderate reduction in symptoms. Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 48% for anxiety; I² = 52% for depression). No major adverse events were reported. Intervention durations ranged from 4 to 12 weeks, and commonly used techniques included guided meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful awareness practices.
Conclusion:
Nurse-led mindfulness and stress reduction interventions show moderate and statistically significant effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in adult patients. These findings support the integration of nurse-delivered mental health strategies into routine care, particularly in settings with limited access to specialized mental health professionals.
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