Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on the functional status and mindfulness of primary health care professionals: a before and after study

The objective is to evaluate the effect of a mindfulness-based intervention program on functional status and mindfulness levels in primary health care (PHC) professionals in Ribeir ão Preto, Brazil. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study, with 26 PHC professionals, using quantitative methods and an analytical before and after approach of an 8-week mindfulness program. Results There were significant differences in mindfulness facets after the intervention: Observe (p = 0.002); Describe – positive formulation (p = 0.01); Acting with awareness – automatic pilot (p = 0.01) and distraction (p = 0.05); Nonreactivity (p = 0.0005); Nonjudgement (p = 0.01); and in total mindfulness scores (p = 0.0000018). Regarding functional status, significant differences were found: change in health (p = 0.01), overall health (p = 0.007), quality of life (p = 0.04) and feelings (p = 0.01). Discussion The results in improving the functional status and mindfulness of PHC professionals show that mindfulness practices can improve the worker ’ s quality of life and health.
Source: Revista de Psiquiatria Clinica - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research