Glob Adv Integr Med Health. 2025 Nov 11;14:27536130251393662. doi: 10.1177/27536130251393662. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to be beneficial for adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but little is known about its use in pediatric IBD.
OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an MBSR program delivered by live-video during the COVID-19 pandemic for youth with IBD.
METHODS: Four cohorts of an 8-session MBSR program were conducted via a HIPAA-compliant, video-conferencing platform from winter 2021 to spring 2022. Mixed-methods data were collected through semi-structured focus groups, study-specific surveys, attendance data, and self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures.
RESULTS: Forty-six participants enrolled across 4 cohorts. Participants were 64% female, Mage=14.1 years, 36% non-Latinx White; most had Crohn’s disease (81%). Participants attended an average of 7.6 of 8 classes, with 69% attending all 8 classes. Majority of participants (77%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the program. Three themes emerged from the focus groups (n=27): (1) IBD-specific benefits: reduced stress (which some identified as an IBD trigger) and connecting with IBD peers; (2) mental health benefits; and (3) virtual MBSR was feasible and well-liked, but challenges were present. Pre- vs post-program data (n = 30) showed statistically significant improvements in HRQOL (P = 0.04), HRQOL social functioning (P = 0.03), and perceived stress (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: This pilot study of live-video MBSR for youth with IBD shows feasibility and acceptability, high rates of attendance and satisfaction, and potential benefits in quality of life and stress. MBSR is a potential adjunctive therapy in pediatric IBD.
PMID:41246219 | PMC:PMC12614889 | DOI:10.1177/27536130251393662
