Ailing, Evelyn Ngui
(2021)
The effects of an online brief mindfulness activities training on the psychological functioning of medical officers : a pilot study.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Empirical evidence suggested that psychological interventions can be successfully delivered
online. Medical officers are under high levels of stress as the main frontliners managing the
COVID-19 pandemic alongside their day-to-day roles, family obligations, and research work.
This study aimed to examine whether a brief mindfulness activities training for medical officers
improve outcomes for depression, anxiety, stress and mindfulness. A randomized, controlled
trial (RCT) was conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia where participants were
randomly assigned to one of four groups of (1) low frequency intervention group (daily session
over a week), (2) medium frequency intervention group (daily session over two weeks), (3)
high frequency intervention group (daily session over three weeks) or (4) the control group.
Outcome measures included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the
Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Of the 22 participants, an increase in
mindfulness, as measured by the MAAS, was found in the intervention group (p = 0.002).
There was also a reduction in depression levels (p = 0.01) as measured by the DASS-21. The
increase in mindfulness was observed in the low frequency and high frequency group, while
the reduction of depression levels could not be observed between frequency groups.
Participants self-reported increased relaxation and stress reduction. This study provides
insights into the feasibility and acceptability of an online, brief mindfulness activities training
for medical officers. Findings will inform the future design and implementation of larger
studies.
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