EFFECTIVENESS OF MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAMS ON CHRONIC PAIN, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN
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Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, mindfulness-based interventions have gained increasing popularity in the field of pain management, particularly for individuals dealing with chronic conditions. Objective: The main objective of the study is to find the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs on chronic pain, quality of life, and psychological well-being in patients with chronic pain. Methodology: This retrospective observational study was conducted at MD Health Center, Lahore from May 2023 to January 2024. A total of 127 patients diagnosed with chronic pain were recruited from pain management clinics, primary care facilities, and online platforms targeting individuals with long-term pain conditions. Results: Data were collected from 127 patients with a mean age of 45.6 ± 12.1 years across groups (45.2 ± 12.3 years in the intervention group and 46.1 ± 11.8 years in the control group). Gender distribution was similar, with females comprising 54.3% (34 in intervention, 35 in control) and males 45.7% (30 in intervention, 28 in control). Chronic pain duration varied, with 52.0% of participants experiencing pain for over a year (32 in intervention, 34 in control). Primary pain locations were mainly the back (38.6%), followed by limbs (22.0%) and neck (20.5%). Baseline measures, including pain intensity (6.55 ± 1.2), quality of life (52.65 ± 8.1), anxiety (10.2 ± 2.25), depression (9.6 ± 2.55), emotional regulation (45.15 ± 6.25), and resilience (25.4 ± 5.45), were comparable across both groups, indicating balanced characteristics before the intervention. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain intensity from a pretest mean of 6.5 ± 1.2 to a posttest mean of 4.2 ± 1.1, with a t-value of 8.4 and a p-value of < .001, indicating a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.1).Conclusion: It is concluded that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective intervention for managing chronic pain, enhancing quality of life, and improving psychological well-being. The program provides a holistic, non-pharmacological approach that empowers patients to develop healthier responses to pain.
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