Effects of online mindfulness-based interventions on mental and physical health outcomes in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials with 1,316 participants found that online mindfulness-based interventions improved anxiety, stress, quality of life, sleep quality, and fatigue severity in cancer patients, but did not significantly affect depression. The evidence suggests these digital programs may help reduce psychological distress and other symptoms, though more rigorous trials are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

To determine whether online mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) help improve the physical and mental health of cancer patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Medline, and CINAHL databases for RCTs published up to April 31, 2023. Two reviewers selected and critically appraised the trials and extracted the data. Fourteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. A total of 14 RCTs with 1316 participants were part of this meta-analysis. The results showed that the online MBI was effective in improving the anxiety level (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] (-0.59, -0.01), P = .04), stress [SMD = -0.65, 95% CI (-1.23, -0.07), P = .03], quality of life [SMD = 0.33, 95% CI (0.17, 0.50), P < .0001], sleep quality [SMD = -0.38, 95% CI (-0.65, -0.10), P = .007], and fatigue severity [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -3.81, 95% CI (-6.11, -1.51), P = .001] in cancer patients. Not shown to affect depression [SMD = -0.19, 95% CI (-0.54, 0.17), P = .30]. Online MBIs may be effective in the reduction of psychological distress and other symptoms in cancer patients. However, in view of the limitations of the current study, more rigorously designed RCTs will be needed in the future.