The Effect of the Meditation Based Mandala Programme on Distress, Anxiety and Depression in the Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Palliative Care Unit.
Omega – September 01, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
Mental health issues significantly outnumber physical health problems among cancer caregivers in palliative care. In a study involving 11 caregivers, a Meditation Based Mandala Programme was implemented over five weeks, with participants attending weekly two-hour sessions. Results indicated notable reductions in distress, anxiety, and depression levels post-programme. Specifically, caregivers reported decreased scores on the Distress Thermometer and Beck inventories, highlighting the programme's effectiveness in supporting mental well-being for those caring for cancer patients during critical times.
Abstract
Mental health problems were found to be more common than physical health problems in cancer caregivers in palliative care units. This is a quasi-experimental study planned to determine the effect of the meditation based mandala programme on distress, anxiety and depression in caregivers of cancer patients in a palliative care unit. Planned as a single-group pre-test/post-test design, with a total of 11 caregivers. Data were collected with the Caregiver Diagnosis Form, Distress Thermometer, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Caregivers participated in the Meditation Based Mandala Programme once a week, which lasted 2 hours for 5 weeks. The distress, depression and anxiety levels of the patients were measured before the programme started and at the end of the programme. Meditation based mandala programme is effective in reducing the distress, depression and anxiety levels of caregivers of cancer patients in the palliative care unit.