Delivering a Modified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Intervention for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults: Assessing Feasibility,Acceptability,and Effectiveness

Abstract

Objectives

The study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of delivering a modified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme in reducing symptoms and psychological stress associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Methods

58 outpatients aged 15 to 24 with a diagnosis of IBD attending a large teaching hospital tertiary clinic were randomised to 8 weekly sessions of a modified MBSR programme or waiting list control. Well-being and disease severity were assessed at baseline (T0). Outcomes were collected 2 to 4 weeks following completion of the intervention (T1) and 2 to 4 weeks (T2) after controls completed the intervention. A process evaluation explored reasons for participation and perceived impact of MBSR.

Results

There were no statically significant changes however there was a clinical improvement in disease severity and quality of life (2.96 points reduction (standardised difference (d = .38)) on the HBI, 12.17 points higher on the IMPACT–III (d = .37) and an increase in mindful awareness (0.70 points higher on the MAAS).

Young people enjoyed meeting other young people with IBD and reported improvement in quality of life and feeling more connected to their body. One third (17/49) chose not to attend any groups. Difficulties in recruitment and attrition impacted on power to detect long term changes.

Conclusions

Young people that participated found the group acceptable and reported a positive impact on symptoms however limited uptake argues for caution when considering MBSR as a mainstream intervention in busy tertiary services for adolescents with IBD without mitigation of identified barriers.

Plain Language Summary

The study looked at whether a mindfulness program could help young people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) manage their symptoms and reduce stress. 58 teenagers and young adults, aged 15 to 24, were either put into a group that did an 8-week mindfulness program or placed on a waiting list. Researchers checked their health and well-being before the program, shortly after, and a few weeks later. The young people on the waiting list were offered the group at the end of the project. The results did not show any statistically significant changes; but there were some signs of improvement that included slightly better disease control, feeling more connected to their body, and increased mindfulness. Young people said they enjoyed meeting others with IBD and felt the program helped their quality of life. About a third of the participants didn't attend any sessions, and overall, recruiting and keeping participants was challenging. In conclusion, the young people who were able to attend the groups found the mindfulness program acceptable and felt it helped their symptoms, but due to low participation, more work is needed before using it widely in busy clinics for young people with IBD.