The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Nurses in Kelantan, Malaysia

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Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Nurses in Kelantan, Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Nor Asyikin FADZIL, Wei Ooi HEONG, Yee Cheng KUEH, Cheng Kar PHANG


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Nurses in Kelantan, Malaysia

Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.6.12

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Occupational stress is a significant concern within the nursing profession, often leading to burnout and psychological distress, particularly in high-demand healthcare environments. Research indicates that a notable percentage of nurses experience psychological distress and stress-related symptoms. This study investigates the effectiveness of a brief mindfulness-based intervention aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among staff nurses at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). By exploring the impact of mindfulness practices, the study sought to provide a practical solution to a pressing issue faced by healthcare professionals.

The Power of Mindfulness

Mindfulness, defined as the intentional focus on present-moment experiences in a non-judgmental manner, has been increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in stress reduction. The intervention in this study involved a 1-day workshop followed by monthly group practice sessions and daily reminders via WhatsApp for three months. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress and anxiety levels post-intervention, demonstrating that even brief mindfulness training can effectively foster emotional resilience and well-being among nurses. Although the intervention did not show a significant impact on depression levels, the improvements in stress and anxiety indicate the potential of mindfulness as a complementary approach to traditional stress management techniques in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that a brief mindfulness-based intervention can be a valuable addition to stress reduction strategies for hospital nursing staff. The success in lowering perceived stress and anxiety highlights mindfulness as an effective tool for enhancing the well-being of nurses. As healthcare environments continue to evolve with increasing challenges, integrating brief mindfulness practices could serve as a practical and efficient method to support nurses in managing stress and improving their mental health. This study encourages hospital management to consider implementing similar interventions to address work-related stress among nursing staff.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the purpose of the mindfulness intervention study?

The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention in reducing perceived stress, anxiety, and depression among public teaching hospital staff nurses at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.

How many nurses participated in the mindfulness intervention program?

A total of 35 nurses from various specialties were recruited for the study, and 30 completed the intervention.

What methods were used to measure stress and anxiety levels?

Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21) and the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS 10) before and after the intervention to assess their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

What were the main findings of the study?

Post-intervention, there was a significant reduction in perceived stress and anxiety scores among the nurses, indicating the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based intervention.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Nurses in Kelantan, Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry or fear, often affecting daily functioning. In the context of healthcare professionals such as nurses, high levels of anxiety can arise from work-related stressors. Effective interventions, like mindfulness training, aim to reduce anxiety levels, promoting greater well-being and job satisfaction.

2) Depression:
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that negatively impacts how one feels, thinks, and acts. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, potentially reducing an individual's ability to work. In nursing, addressing depression through mindfulness interventions is crucial for enhancing overall mental health resilience within this high-stress profession.

3) Table:
In research, a table is a structured arrangement of data that simplifies presentation and comparison of information. It allows for the organization of variables, demographic data, or intervention outcomes clearly, aiding in data interpretation. Tables enhance comprehension of study findings, enabling readers to visualize significant results and trends related to specific variables.

4) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation designed to explore, analyze, or understand specific phenomena. In the context of nursing and healthcare, studies assess the effects of interventions like mindfulness on stress, anxiety, and depression among healthcare workers. Findings from studies provide evidence-based practices to improve mental health and workplace environments.

5) Training:
Training involves structured learning processes aimed at developing specific skills or knowledge. In healthcare, training for mindfulness practices equips nurses with techniques to handle stress more effectively. This training can be vital in fostering resilience and enhancing emotional responses to job-related pressures, ultimately leading to improved patient care and professional satisfaction.

6) Post:
In research terminology, 'post' refers to the period or measurements taken after an intervention. For example, post-intervention evaluations in studies reveal the effectiveness of treatments or training programs. Tracking changes after the implementation of mindfulness practices among healthcare workers helps gauge improvements in mental health indicators such as anxiety and stress.

7) Meditation:
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of mental clarity and relaxation. It is often employed as a tool to reduce stress and anxiety. In nursing, incorporating meditation techniques into daily routines can help individuals cope with job-related pressures, fostering emotional balance and resilience.

8) Perception:
Perception refers to the way individuals interpret and understand sensory information or experiences. In healthcare settings, how nurses perceive stress and anxiety can influence their mental health and job performance. Mindfulness interventions aim to alter perception, enabling nurses to view stressors with greater awareness and less emotional reactivity, enhancing coping strategies.

9) Teaching:
Teaching involves imparting knowledge or skills to others and is crucial in healthcare education. In the context of nurse training, effective teaching methods are necessary to deliver mindfulness concepts and practices. By learning these skills, nurses can better manage workplace stress, which is essential for their mental health and overall effectiveness in patient care.

10) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma refers to the author of significant research on mindfulness and stress management. His contributions to studies highlight the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing anxiety and improving mental well-being among healthcare workers. Research authored or co-authored by Sharma serves as an important reference in understanding effective stress reduction strategies.

11) Sood:
Sood is another influential author associated with research on mindfulness programs, particularly aimed at healthcare professionals. Studies conducted under Sood's guidance emphasize the positive impacts of mindfulness training on reducing stress and promoting resilience. His work underscores the necessity of integrating mindfulness into healthcare education to support the mental health of practitioners.

12) Life:
Life encompasses the experiences, challenges, and emotions individuals face throughout their existence. In the healthcare context, balancing professional responsibilities with personal life can often lead to stress. Mindfulness practices aim to enhance life quality by helping healthcare workers manage stressors more effectively, cultivating a greater appreciation for the present moment.

13) Practising (Practicing):
Practising involves the active application of learned skills or techniques. For nurses, practising mindfulness techniques regularly can lead to enhanced stress reduction and a more profound ability to cope with job-related pressures. Ongoing practice fosters the development and retention of mindfulness skills, ultimately improving mental health and job satisfaction.

14) Medicine:
Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. It involves various disciplines that require a significant emotional and mental investment from healthcare professionals. Integrating mindfulness and stress management practices into medical curricula can better prepare future healthcare workers to tackle the emotional demands of their profession.

15) Rampal:
Rampal is a researcher involved in validating assessment tools, such as the Perceived Stress Scale, crucial for understanding stress levels in populations. His work contributes to evidence-based practices in nursing and psychological research by ensuring that relevant scales are reliable and effective for measuring stress, anxiety, and other mental health indicators.

16) Kheng:
Kheng is associated with research in nursing education and the effectiveness of interventions for mental health. Collaborative studies involving Kheng demonstrate the importance of addressing psychological well-being among nurses. His contributions to mindfulness research assist in outlining best practices for reducing stress and enhancing resilience in the healthcare workforce.

17) Rules:
Rules in a research context refer to the established guidelines or methodologies that govern how studies are conducted. Adhering to these rules ensures validity, reliability, and ethical integrity of research findings. In the field of healthcare, such adherence is crucial for the credibility of studies that explore mindfulness and stress management interventions.

18) Gold (Golden):
Gold typically symbolizes a standard of excellence or high value. In the context of healthcare research, achieving gold standard outcomes often means demonstrating significant and effective results from interventions. Gold standard practices reflect the utmost quality and efficacy, guiding healthcare professionals in implementing the best approaches for mental health improvement among workers.

19) Ter:
Ther is likely a typographical reference to 'therapy'. In the healthcare context, therapy denotes treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. Mindfulness therapy, for example, offers strategies to reduce stress and anxiety among healthcare workers, providing them with tools that enhance their emotional resilience and overall mental health.

20) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder encompasses various psychological conditions that can impair functioning and emotional well-being. Given the high-stress nature of nursing, understanding mental disorders is vital for healthcare professionals. Interventions like mindfulness practices are essential to manage mental disorders effectively, equipping nurses with strategies to maintain their mental health in challenging environments.

21) Discussion:
Discussion in research is a critical section where findings are interpreted and implications are explored. This segment synthesizes results concerning existing literature, allowing researchers to contextualize their work. In studies investigating mindfulness among healthcare workers, discussion provides insights on how findings contribute to broader understanding and practical applications within mental health management.

22) Education:
Education is the process of facilitating learning and acquiring knowledge or skills. In healthcare, education focused on mindfulness can provide crucial insights into stress management. Educating nurses on mindfulness practices can empower them to employ these strategies in their daily work, ultimately contributing to improved mental health and job performance.

23) Attending:
Attending refers to the act of participating in activities or sessions. In the context of training or workshops, attending mindfulness sessions is critical for nurses to absorb and practice the techniques offered. Regular attendance can enhance learning outcomes, enabling nurses to effectively integrate mindfulness into their daily routines for stress management.

24) Listening:
Listening is an essential skill involving actively paying attention to sounds and messages. In healthcare settings, effective listening contributes to better communication and understanding between nurses and patients. Incorporating mindfulness promotes heightened awareness in listening, fostering empathy and strong therapeutic relationships, ultimately enhancing patient care and satisfaction.

25) Kindness:
Kindness embodies the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. In nursing, kindness is fundamental to patient care, influencing the quality of interactions and emotional support provided. Mindfulness can cultivate kindness, helping healthcare professionals develop compassionate responses to patients and themselves, improving overall workplace environment and emotional resilience.

26) Science (Scientific):
Science represents a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions. In healthcare, scientific research on interventions like mindfulness expands understanding of psychological health, enabling evidence-based practices that enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals and the effectiveness of care provided to patients.

27) Male:
Male refers to individuals of the sex that typically bears and produces sperm. In nursing studies, understanding the gender dynamics, including male nurses' experiences with stress and mindfulness, is crucial. Recognizing these differences can inform tailored interventions that adequately address the specific needs and challenges faced by male healthcare professionals.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Nurses in Kelantan, Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Randomized controlled trial, Psychological distress, Random sampling method, Psychometric properties, Self-administered questionnaire, Perceived stress, Occupational Stress, Work related stress, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, Staff nurses, Effect Size.

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