Mindfulness-Based Meditation and Stress Reduction in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Problem & Purpose: Stress is a significant public health concern contributing to serious health consequences in our communities. Studies show that managing stress can be achieved by practicing evidence-based, mindful meditation (MM) daily, and an evidence-based tool kit can help to guide practice. At a community outreach health department in rural Maryland, there was a steady inquiry by community members for guidance on how to manage stress as there was a lack of programming and education. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement and evaluate the feasibility of the MM program among healthy, stressed adults in the community. Methods: The 12-week MM program had three phases. The pre-intervention phase included a train the trainer program that prepared the project champions (PC) to facilitate MM programs in various community settings. The intervention phase included a six-week pilot program where a sample from the community [project participants (PP)] participated. In the post-intervention phase, the PP practiced MM daily and concluded with a reunion. Pre-post questionnaires assessed the knowledge and skill level of PC related to stress and its management, as well as the resource tool kit’s usefulness. An audit tool provided a feasibility measure of the number of pilot sessions completed by each PP. In the end, a survey questionnaire assessed the usefulness of the program. The framework used for this project was Roger’s theory of diffusion of innovation. Results: The post-survey showed an increase in knowledge and skill level of PC and their perception of using the tool kit. More than 70% of PP attended each week's pilot class, and 100% stated that the MM program was useful. Conclusion: MM is a brief and cost-effective stress management intervention that is easy to implement in various community settings. Practicing MM for five minutes helps to reduce stress.