The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Treatment on Depression and Optimism among Women with Breast Cancer during Chemotherapy

Background: A breast cancer diagnosis can be a disturbing and stressful time for women. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment depression and optimism during chemotherapy among women with breast cancer. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental one with a group of pretest, post-test, and controls. In this study, 26 women with breast cancer detection were identified from the referring patients to the Imam Hossein hospital's oncology and radiotherapy division in Tehran, 2019-2020. Using the method of convenience sampling, the experimental (n=13) and control groups (n=13) were randomly allocated. The study group regularly engaged in mindfulness sessions for 8 weeks (each session lasting 90-120 minutes). In the BDI-II Beck Depression Inventory-II and happiness questionnaires, customers/clients in both the experimental and control groups completed. Data were analyzed by using a univariate covariance test in SPSS 23 software. Results: According to the findings, there was a significant difference in depression and optimism among breast cancer patients, (Pvalue<0.05). Also, the mean overall depression score for women with breast cancer in the therapy session was considerably lower than the pre-test score, although optimism was significantly higher than the pre-test score (Pvalue<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study support the use of MBSR to minimize symptom burden in women with breast cancer. As a result, the effectiveness of MBSR in reducing depression symptoms and improving confidence has been approved.