Investigating the Efficacy of Stress Reduction Interventions Based on Mindfulness Principles in Improving Life Quality for Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a complementary therapy for chronic conditions. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an eight-week MBSR program in improving QoL, self-compassion, mindfulness, depression, and anxiety among COPD patients.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 COPD patients allocated to either an MBSR intervention group (n = 60) or a control group (CG) receiving standard care (n = 60). The MBSR program consisted of weekly 2.5-hour sessions for eight weeks. The primary outcome was the change in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total scores from baseline to post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) scores. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three months follow-up.

Results: The MBSR group showed a significantly greater reduction in SGRQ total scores (-12.4 ± 8.7) compared to the CG (P < 0.001) at post-intervention. Significant improvements were also observed in the MBSR group relative to the CG for HADS-Anxiety (change: -3.5 ± 2.8, P < 0.001), HADS-Depression (change: -3.1 ± 2.6, P < 0.001), FFMQ total (change: 22.3 ± 12.5, P < 0.001), and SCS total (change: 15.7 ± 10.2, P < 0.001) scores at post-intervention. The improvements were maintained at the three months follow-up (all P < 0.001).