The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Interventions in Reducing Stress Among Patients with Chronic Illness: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Chronic diseases can create persistent psychological demands related to symptoms, treatment, and uncertainty. Mindfulness-based interventions may help patients manage stress by strengthening present-moment awareness and emotional regulation. However, evidence varies across diseases, intervention formats, and outcome measures. Objective: This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among patients with chronic diseases. Methods: A systematic literature review was planned using PRISMA 2020 principles. Studies were to be searched in Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, with eligibility criteria focused on chronic-disease populations, mindfulness interventions, and reported stress outcomes. Results: Preliminary evidence mapping identified encouraging but mixed findings. A meta-analysis of online mindfulness interventions for cancer patients reported lower perceived stress than control conditions (SMD = −0.89, 95% CI [−1.33, −0.45], p = .003); a separate synthesis reported a similar reduction (SMD = −0.65, 95% CI [−1.23, −0.07], p = .03). A randomized trial among hemodialysis patients also found lower perceived stress over time in the mindfulness group. By contrast, a chronic kidney disease trial reported reduced sympathetic reactivity during mental stress but no significant between-group change in perceived-stress ratings (p = .825). Conclusion: Mindfulness interventions show potential as complementary support for stress management, but effects are not uniform across populations or measures. The evidence summarized here is preliminary: the specified 12-study sample and PRISMA selection counts have not yet been verified through a complete search and screening process. Conclusions should therefore be confirmed using the final eligible studies and extracted outcome data.