Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Military Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Feasibility Study.
One of the most common reasons women seek gynecologic health care services is for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and women in the military are no exception. For women diagnosed with CPP, the burden can be difficult as they struggle to perform military obligations. A chronic low-grade systemic disease believed triggered by inflammation, CPP is difficult to diagnose and treat. With limited treatment strategies available, this study sought to examine the feasibility of implementing a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in a military population.



This prospective study evaluated the feasibility of a standard 8-week MBSR training program in a population of active duty women previously diagnosed with CPP (N = 15). Participants also completed the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness survey and the Brief Pain Inventory, did home practice and kept a daily diary. Vaginal swabs were obtained at baseline and at study completion.



A standard MBSR program is difficult to implement in a military population; other delivery formats should be considered. There was a trend suggestive that program participation promotes mindfulness, reduces pain, and promotes modulation of select pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the basis of results of this pilot feasibility study, further research is warranted.
U.S. Air Force, PSC 9 Box 3968, APO AE, Spangdahlem, Germany.
Carol D
CD
Crisp
Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Baylor University, 3700 Worth Street, Dallas, TX 75246.
Marie
M
Hastings-Tolsma
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Center, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045.
Karen R
KR
Jonscher
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D064866:Mindfulness / Q000379:methods*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D016207:Cytokines