Using Multi-Informant Qualitative Data to Inform Adaptations to Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adolescents With Chronic Migraine.

OBJECTIVES

Adolescents with chronic migraine face increased risk for comorbid anxiety and depression that, can hinder migraine self-management and coping. Mindfulness-based interventions may reduce anxiety/depression to improve migraine outcomes, yet require tailoring to increase acceptability and engagement among this distinct population. The current study used qualitative methods to explore multi-informant perspectives on the illness experience and unique intervention content/delivery needs, with the goal of informing adaptations to mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Fifteen interest holders, representing adolescents with chronic migraine, their parents, and health care providers, completed semi-structured interviews assessing experiences with chronic migraine, the role of stress and emotions, attitudes toward mindfulness, and perspectives on a telehealth group mindfulness-based program. Interviews were transcribed and coded using a team-based thematic approach.

RESULTS

Data revealed 4 major themes informing adaptations to mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine: supporting engagement in mindfulness in the context of migraine pain, incorporating lived experience in intervention content, facilitating peer connections, and providing opportunities for parental involvement. Qualitative results were integrated with content expert input to develop specific adaptation recommendations for mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine.

DISCUSSION: Acknowledging and addressing the challenges of practicing mindfulness in the context of pain and targeting the isolating experience of chronic migraine by offering peer connection via group intervention delivery may offer unique ways to tailor mindfulness-based interventions for adolescents with chronic migraine. Adaptations may improve intervention fit, acceptability, and retention and should be tested in future clinical trials.