Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Techniques Among Healthcare Workers in South India: A Regional Analysis of Efficacy and Barriers

Year : 2026 | Volume : 03 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Eric Kwasi ELLIASON,

  • Atul KHAJURIA,

  • Christian Geudere,

  • Stephen MONDAY,

  • J. Samuel KAMANDA,

  1. Research Fellow, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
  2. Director, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
  3. Research Fellow, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
  4. Research Fellow, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
  5. Research Fellow, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) in India, particularly in resource-limited settings, face high levels of occupational stress, yet structured stress-reduction interventions remain underutilized. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) offers a potential solution, but implementation challenges persist. To assess the effectiveness of an 8-week MBSR programme in reducing stress and enhancing mindfulness among HCWs in South India, and to identify barriers to its successful implementation across urban and rural settings. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 450 HCWs (doctors, nurses, technicians) from 10 urban and rural hospitals. Participants were randomized into MBSR (n = 225) and control (n= 225) groups. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) were used for evaluation before and after the intervention. Qualitative data on implementation barriers were also collected. The MBSR group showed a significant reduction in stress scores (28.4 ± 4.2 to 19.1 ± 3.8; p <0.001), while the control group saw minimal changes (27.9 ± 4.5 to 26.3 ± 4.1; p = 0.12). Significant improvements were observed in the FFMQ domains of ‘Observing’ (24.1 ± 3.5 to 28.9 ± 2.7; p < 0.001) and ‘Non-Reactivity to Inner Experience’ (18.3 ± 2.8 to 22.4 ± 3.1; p =
0.001). Barriers to implementation included limited respite time (82% rural vs. 65% urban), cultural stigma (53% rural vs. 28% urban), and inadequate institutional support (18% rural vs.40% urban). The MBSR programme was effective in reducing stress and enhancing mindfulness among HCWs in South India. However, successful implementation demands region-specific planning to overcome challenges such as time constraints, stigma, and inconsistent institutional backing,especially in rural settings.

Keywords: Mindfulness Stress Management (MBSR), Healthcare Workers, Perceived Stress, Rural-Urban Barriers, South India, Occupational Health

How to cite this article:
Eric Kwasi ELLIASON, Atul KHAJURIA, Christian Geudere, Stephen MONDAY, J. Samuel KAMANDA. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Techniques Among Healthcare Workers in South India: A Regional Analysis of Efficacy and Barriers. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences. 2026; 03(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Eric Kwasi ELLIASON, Atul KHAJURIA, Christian Geudere, Stephen MONDAY, J. Samuel KAMANDA. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Techniques Among Healthcare Workers in South India: A Regional Analysis of Efficacy and Barriers. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences. 2026; 03(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijbsc/article=2026/view=246956


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
01
Received 04/05/2026
Accepted 02/06/2026
Published 03/06/2026
Publication Time 30 Days
14

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