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.
Lichun Xu, Aixuan Guan, Yuxin Huang
Medicine March 21, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000041870
Summary
Online mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) significantly enhance the well-being of cancer patients. An analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 1,316 participants revealed that MBIs reduced anxiety by 30%, stress by 65%, and fatigue severity by an average of 3.81 points. Additionally, quality of life improved by 33%. Sleep quality also benefited, showing a reduction in disturbances. However, these interventions did not significantly impact depression levels. Overall, online MBIs offer promising support for managing psychological distress and related symptoms in cancer patients.
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.