Effectiveness of Mind-Body Therapies on Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, and Stress in Graduate Health Professions Students: A Systematic Review.
Abstract
Purpose
Mental health conditions are prevalent among graduate health professions students and can negatively impact academic performance, well-being, and relationships. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of mind-body therapies (MBTs) on anxiety, burnout, depression, and stress in graduate health professions students.
Methods
Five healthcare/academic databases were searched from 2008 through August 25, 2023. INCLUSION CRITERIA 1) graduate health professions students; 2) MBT interventions; and 3) anxiety, burnout, depression, and/or stress outcomes. Title/abstract screening, full-text review, level of evidence, and quality assessment were performed by author pairs.
Results
Of 2,511 screened records, 24 met inclusion criteria, representing 2,220 students across 6 health professions programs. Studies described 8 anxiety, 2 burnout, 7 depression, and 10 stress outcomes. The average QuADS score was 73.64% (range 53.85-100%). Fifteen studies reported significant improvements in at least 1 anxiety, depression, or stress outcome. Of 9 studies that measured anxiety, 5 demonstrated reductions. Depression results were inconsistent, with only 1 of 7 studies showing improvements. Stress outcomes improved most frequently, with 13 of 22 studies reporting benefits. None of the 3 burnout studies showed positive results.
Conclusions
MBTs such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises show promise in reducing anxiety and stress. Evidence supporting improvements in burnout and depression remains quite limited.