Comparing the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and spirituality therapy on CD4 cells in AIDS patients

Introduction: Psychological factors play an important role in the etiology of AIDS. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness based on stress reduction and spiritual therapy on the number of CD4 cells in AIDS patients. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this clinical study included AIDS patients in Shahriar health centers in 2018. Using the convenient method, 45 people were selected and replaced in 3 groups of 15 cases (two experimental groups and one control group). Then, stress-based mindfulness therapy group and spirituality-therapy group were performed in 8 ninety minute-sessions and the control group did not receive any training. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and SPSS software version 23. Results: Mindfulness based on stress reduction and spiritual therapy had a significant effect on increasing CD4 in AIDS patients. However, the effect of mindfulness based on stress reduction on CD4 cell proliferation was greater than spiritual therapy. Conclusion: It seems that stress-based mindfulness and therapeutic spirituality have been effective in increasing CD4 cell count and can be used in patients with AIDS along with medical treatment.