Psycho-endocrine-immune response to mindfulness-based stress reduction in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus: a quasiexperimental study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a structured, 8-week, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on perceived stress, mood, endocrine function, immunity, and functional health outcomes in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).


METHODS
This study used a quasiexperimental, nonrandomized design.


METHODS
Subjects were specifically recruited (nonrandom) for intervention (MBSR) or comparison group. Data were collected at pretest and post-test in the MBSR group and at matched times in the comparison group. t Tests where performed to determine within-group changes and between-group differences.


RESULTS
Natural killer cell activity and number increased significantly in the MBSR group compared to the comparison group. No significant changes or differences were found for psychological, endocrine, or functional health variables.


CONCLUSIONS
These results provide tentative evidence that MBSR may assist in improving immunity in individuals infected with HIV.
Robinson
F Patrick
FP
College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7350, USA. prphd@uic.edu
Mathews
Herbert L
HL
Witek-Janusek
Linda
L
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011603:Psychophysiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome