Veterans’ interests, perceptions, and use of mindfulness

Abstract

Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions are an evidence-based approach utilized in health care. There is developing evidence for effective use with military Veterans. However, little is known about Veterans’ view of mindfulness. This study aims to understand their interests, perceptions, and use of mindfulness to enhance educational outreach and treatment engagement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across the Veterans Health Administration in Salt Lake City, UT by administering a questionnaire to military Veterans. The questionnaire included the following themes: (1) demographics and respondents’ mindfulness practice; (2) respondents’ perceptions and beliefs about mindfulness; and (3) respondents’ knowledge and interest in learning about mindfulness. Results: In all, 185 military Veterans were surveyed; 30% practiced mindfulness in the past year, mainly for stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep, and depression. Over 75% who practiced reported perceived benefit. Veterans rarely reported negative beliefs about mindfulness; 56% perceived an understanding of mindfulness and 46% were aware of Veterans Health Administration mindfulness offerings. In all, 55% were interested in learning about mindfulness, 58% were interested in learning how it could help, and 43% were interested in combining mindfulness with a pleasurable activity. Conclusion: Educational engagement approaches should be directed toward the benefits of mindfulness practice with minimal need to address negative beliefs. Outreach including education, with an experiential component, about mindfulness classes, availability of evening and weekend classes, individual sessions, and virtual offerings into Veteran’s homes, may enhance engagement in mindfulness-based interventions. Mindfulness-based interventions that combine mindfulness training with an experiential pleasurable activity may be one mechanism to enhance treatment engagement.

Impact of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Psychological Well-Being, Cortisol, and Inflammation in Women Veterans

“…54 Other investigators have suggested offering MBSR to veterans in conjunction with other pleasurable activities, such as recreational sailing. 55 Furthermore, providing MBSR training to clinicians within the VA may also allow MBSR to be offered more widely. Finally, educating clinicians, staff, and veterans on the benefits of MBSR may promote acceptance of the program as a method to reduce stress and improve health.…”

Effects of an integrated mindfulness intervention for veterans with diabetes distress: a randomized controlled trial

“…In a survey of 185 veterans, 58% were interested in learning about mindfulness and 30% had practiced mindfulness during the past year. 49 Over 75% of those who practiced reported perceived benefit. However, Martinez et al 50 identified numerous barriers to veteran participation in traditional 8-week MBSR programs, including misinformation from healthcare practitioners (eg, MBSR may diverge with religious beliefs), scheduling conflicts, limited access, aversion to group activities, inability to commit to home practice, and difficulty understanding its concepts.…”

Complementary and Integrative Health Interventions for Insomnia in Veterans and Military Populations

“…Perhaps as a result of these concerns, 50% preferred mindfulness strategies for insomnia treatment. Another study of 185 Veterans showed that 30% used mindfulness in the last year and 53% of these used it to help them sleep (Herrmann et al, 2020). Taken together, these data suggest that the majority of Veterans are using CIH’s, many more are interested, and CIH’s are recognized as being beneficial for sleep.…”