Effectiveness Of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) For Symptoms And Emotions Of Menopausal Women In China: An Exploratory Study

Objective To assess the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for symptoms and emotions of menopausal women in China and to explore the relationships between the menopausal symptoms, emotions and the level of mindfulness.MethodsStudy One63 Chinese women aged 40 to 60 were randomized to MBSR group (N=31) for eight-week MBSR and control group (N=32) without intervention. The outcome assessment included questionnaires related menopausal symptoms and emotions, and the level of mindfulness. The differences between and within groups were assessed with analysis of covariance or t test, X2 test or Fisher’s exact test.Study TwoObjects were menopausal women aged 40 to 60 who went to the menopausal outpatient at the first time. The modified Kupperman Index(KI), Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Five Faced Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) had been applied in outcome assessment. Relation Analysis had been applied in analysing the relation between symptoms, emotions and the level of mindfulness.ResultsStudy One1. Baseline AssessmentThe result of baseline assessment between the MBSR and control group are compared, including general state, and scale assessment.2. The Second Assessment2.1 Menopausal symptomes:The KI total score of MBSR group was significantly reduced by 3.6, and irritability, urogenital atrophy and palpitation score were also decreased by 0.8,0.5 and 0.3 respectively. Among the women with "total scores≥15" of the two groups, the differences of KI total score and hot flash/sweating score were significant. In addition, the irritability, palpitation and urogenital atrophy score of MBSR group were significantly reduced by 1.3,0.4 and 0.8 respectively.2.2 Emotions:The SDS score of MBSR group was significantly reduced by 4.7, and among the women with "total scores>40", the score of MBSR group was significantly reduced by 9.8. The The POMS total score of MBSR group was significantly reduced by 8.2, and Vigor-Activity, Tension-Anxiety, Fatigue-Inertia, Depression-Dejection, and Anger-Hostility score were also significantly decreased by 1.8,1.8,1.6,1.4 and 1.3 respectively. The GWB Schedule total score of MBSR group was significantly improved by 5.6, and vitality, depression, anxiety, self-control, positive well-being, and general health score were also significantly improved by 1.8,1.5,1.2,0.9 and 0.8 respectively.2.3 Mindfulness Level:The Observing of FFMQ score of MBSR group and control group were improved by 3.3 and 0.5 respectively, and the difference between the two groups is significant.Study TwoThe correlation coefficient of the KI total score, SDS score, STAI total score and FFMQ total score was -0.30 (P<.001),-0.55 (P<.001),-0.47 (P<.001) respectively.Conclusions1. MBSR can have certain effect on improving menopausal symptoms such as Irritability, Urinary infection, Palpitation, especially for women suffered from more severe symptoms.2. MBSR can have certain effect on improving emotional disorder, by releasing the level of anxiety, depression, anger and improving the level of activity and well-being.3. MBSR can have certain effect on improving the level of mindfulness in menopausal women, especially the item of Observing.4. The level of menopausal symptoms, the level of depression and anxiety had the negative relationship with the level of mindfulness in menopausal women.