Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on the functional status and mindfulness of primary health care professionals: a before and after study

Mariana Fernandes,Edilaine Cristina Da Silva Gherardi-Donato,João Mazzoncini De Azevedo Marques,Hayala Cristina Cavenague De Souza,Giordana Campos Braga,Joao Paulo Souza

doi:10.1590/0101-60830000000208

Mariana Fernandes, Edilaine Cristina Da Silva Gherardi-Donato + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000000208

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Abstract

Abstract Background Contextual factors involving the physical and social environment, as well as personal factors, are closely related to functional status, and they can have positive or negative influences on the health conditions or status of an individual in society. Objectives The objective is to evaluate the effect of a mindfulness-based intervention program on functional status and mindfulness levels in primary health care (PHC) professionals in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study, with 26 PHC professionals, using quantitative methods and an analytical before and after approach of an 8-week mindfulness program. Results There were significant differences in mindfulness facets after the intervention: Observe (p = 0.002); Describe – positive formulation (p = 0.01); Acting with awareness – automatic pilot (p = 0.01) and distraction (p = 0.05); Nonreactivity (p = 0.0005); Nonjudgement (p = 0.01); and in total mindfulness scores (p = 0.0000018). Regarding functional status, significant differences were found: change in health (p = 0.01), overall health (p = 0.007), quality of life (p = 0.04) and feelings (p = 0.01). Discussion The results in improving the functional status and mindfulness of PHC professionals show that mindfulness practices can improve the worker’s quality of life and health.

Highlights

In Brazil, depression, domestic violence, alcoholism, trafficking and use of illicit drugs are demands present in the daily routine of Family Health Strategy professionals[1]. This context may negatively affect their quality of life since they coexist with the inadequacy of resources to perform their roles, high demand and lack of protection from managers[2]
Functional status is defined as the healthy life condition of an individual, encompassing their relational, motor, intellectual, expressive, and other skills according to their physical, psychological, gender, life cycle, and social or cultural identities
Our results suggest that mindfulness practice is associated with improvement in mindfulness levels and improvement of the functional status of primary health care (PHC) professionals

Summary

Introduction

In Brazil, depression, domestic violence, alcoholism, trafficking and use of illicit drugs are demands present in the daily routine of Family Health Strategy professionals[1]. This context may negatively affect their quality of life since they coexist with the inadequacy of resources to perform their roles, high demand and lack of protection from managers[2]. Negative contextual factors can influence functional status, becoming development obstacles in the physical, cultural and social spheres[5,6], interfering in the health life conditions of the workers. Discussion: The results in improving the functional status and mindfulness of PHC professionals show that mindfulness practices can improve the worker’s quality of life and health

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Methods

Conclusion