Studies of MBSR for adults with chronic disease were eligible for inclusion. Any modifications to the programme were required to be minor (such as eight-week rather than 10-week duration). Studies that included cancer patients or symptom-free participants were excluded.
Participants in the included studies had chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity and cardiovascular disease. Mean participant age ranged from 44 to 75 years (where reported). Most participants were women. All studies used the Kabat-Zinn MBSR programme, sometimes with minor modifications. Control conditions included waiting list, active social support and standard care.
Outcomes reported in the review included mental health, well-being/quality of life, physical health and acceptability/adherence. Outcomes were measured using a variety of self-report and physiological measures. Follow-up ranged from a few weeks to three years post intervention.
The author did not state how many reviewers performed study selection.