Easing the burden: a pilot study on the impact of mindfulness on the mental health of Brazilian medical students.

BACKGROUND

Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are more prevalent in medical students than in the general population. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown evidence of effectiveness in treating these conditions. However, findings among medical students are mixed, particularly in Brazilian samples. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of the Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion (MBHP) program on perceived stress, mindfulness, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in Brazilian medical students.

METHODS

This single-arm pilot clinical trial involved medical students participating in the MBHP program for 2.5 h per week over eight weeks. A convenience sample from a university’s interest group was recruited through referrals. Those aged ≥ 18, enrolled in medical school, and owning a smartphone were eligible. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility was evaluated through recruitment and retention rates. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); perceived stress and mindfulness were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test.

RESULTS

All 13 eligible participants enrolled and attended at least 50% of the sessions, resulting in recruitment and retention rates of 100%. Participants (76.9% female, 92.3% Caucasian, mean age = 23.6 years) showed significant reductions in depressive (p =.001; r =.62) and anxiety (p =.014; r =.41) symptoms. Overall mindfulness increased significantly (p =.001; r =.62), as did four of its five facets: Observe (p =.012; r =.49), Act with Awareness (p =.009; r =.51), Non-judgement (p =.046; r =.39) and Non-reaction (p =.007; r =.52). Perceived stress was not significantly reduced (p =.059; r =.37).

CONCLUSION

MBHP was feasible and may reduce anxiety and depression while enhancing mindfulness in Brazilian medical students. Higher-quality randomized trials with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these preliminary findings. REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered with the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC) on February 26, 2025, under registration number RBR-44cvfnq.