The effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Self-care activities and life expectancy in patients with type 2 diabetes with one year follow up

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses that is closely associated with some psychological problems, particularly stress. In this case, psychological interventions can be useful. The aim of this study was to investigate effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on self-care activities and life expectancy in patient with type 2 diabetes.

In this study, semi-experimental design (pretest-post-test) and a one year follow up period with control group was used. Population of the study included patients with type 2 diabetes that were members of Iranian Diabetes Society of Tehran. For sampling, 60 patients were selected by available sampling method. Finally, 15 patients were randomly assigned to either experimental and control groups. Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities Questionnaire (SDSCA) and Snyder’s life expectancy Questionnaire were used. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

The results showed that MBSR significantly affected on self-care activities and this effect was stable after one year follow up period (p=0.037). Also, the results showed that MBSR only with regard to pretest, post-test and follow up periods and its interaction with the group could have a significant effect on life expectancy and this effect was stable after one year follow up period (p=0.004).

Findings revealed that MBSR can be effective on increasing self-care activities and life expectancy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate such interventions into comprehensive treatment of diabetes.