Effectiveness of training programs based on mindfulness in reducing psychological distress and promoting well-being in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training programs in reducing psychological distress and promoting well-being among medical students.
Results Summary
Mindfulness-based training improved mindfulness, reduced stress and psychological distress symptoms, and enhanced health perception and psychological well-being, though significant heterogeneity among studies was noted.
Population
Medical students
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based training programs | increase | mindfulness | medical students | SMD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.54; p = 0.03 | improved | #1 |
mindfulness-based training programs | decrease | anxiety | medical students | SMD = -0.32; 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.03; p = 0.03 | improved | #2 |
mindfulness-based training programs | decrease | depression | medical students | SMD = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.10; p = 0.01 | improved | #3 |
mindfulness-based training programs | decrease | stress | medical students | SMD = -0.44; 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.07; p = 0.02 | improved | #4 |
mindfulness-based training programs | decrease | psychological distress symptoms | medical students | - | improved | #5 |
mindfulness-based training programs | increase | health perception | medical students | - | improved | #6 |
mindfulness-based training programs | increase | psychological well-being | medical students | - | improved | #7 |
BACKGROUND: Medical schools have used mindfulness meditation as a strategy to assist students in stress management. This study aimed to seek evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training programs in reducing psychological distress and promoting the well-being of medical students. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO/PsycNet, LILACS/BVS, ERIC (ProQuest), Web of Science, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials published until March 2022, without time or language restrictions. Two authors independently screened the articles, extracted data using a standardized extraction form, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using the Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 (ROB 2) tool and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. RESULTS: Of the 848 articles retrieved, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Mindfulness-based training improved the outcomes: mindfulness (small post-intervention effect: SMD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.54; p = 0.03; I CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the students who participated in the mindfulness training perceived improvements in the stress and psychological distress symptoms and improved health perception and psychological well-being. However, the significant heterogeneity among studies should be considered when interpreting these findings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020153169.