Delivering a Modified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Intervention for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults: Assessing Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness

Objectives The study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of delivering a modified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme in reducing symptoms and psychological stress associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Methods 58 outpatients aged 15 to 24 with a diagnosis of IBD attending a large teaching hospital tertiary clinic were randomised to 8 weekly sessions of a modified MBSR programme or waiting list control. Well-being and disease severity were assessed at baseline (T0). Outcomes were collected 2 to 4 weeks following completion of the intervention (T1) and 2 to 4 weeks (T2) after controls completed the intervention. A process evaluation explored reasons for participation and perceived impact of MBSR. Results There were no statically significant changes however there was a clinical improvement in disease severity and quality of life (2.96 points reduction (standardised difference (d = .38)) on the HBI, 12.17 points higher on the IMPACT–III (d = .37) and an increase in mindful awareness (0.70 points higher on the MAAS). Young people enjoyed meeting other young people with IBD and reported improvement in quality of life and feeling more connected to their body. One third (17/49) chose not to attend any groups. Difficulties in recruitment and attrition impacted on power to detect long term changes. Conclusions Young people that participated found the group acceptable and reported a positive impact on symptoms however limited uptake argues for caution when considering MBSR as a mainstream intervention in busy tertiary services for adolescents with IBD without mitigation of identified barriers.