Abstract
The adaptation and validation of mindfulness-based interventions to new cultural contexts is a growing body of research. The present study investigated the acceptability and effectiveness of a culturally-adapted mindfulness-based intervention in Cuba for mental health professionals. The participants (N = 30) were Cuban psychologists who took part in a 10-week training. A mixed method approach was adopted, involving both quantitative data (stress and burnout measures) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews). Stress was significantly reduced from baseline to posttest (W = −3.98, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.08) and from baseline to follow-up (W = −3.53, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.95). For burnout, 37.5% of participants reduced levels from baseline to posttest/follow-up, although statistical significance was not reached. The intervention was experienced as beneficial, in both personal and professional contexts, with most positive experiences. The results suggest that mindfulness-based intervention can be successfully implemented in Cuban context, given that it is acceptable and effective for Cuban mental health professionals. Similar improvements and difficulties reported in previous studies in other cultures were indicated. Possible adaptations are described to ensure a better adjustment to this new cultural context. Further large-scale evaluation is required for experimental confirmation. This study is the preliminary pilot of a clinical trial enrolled at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03296254, 09/18/2017).
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Data Availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [MAS], upon reasonable request.
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Authors` Contributions
RRI: designed and executed the study and drafted the paper. RPD: analysed the data and commented on the manuscript. JCGJ: analysed the data and commented on the manuscript. ACM: collaborated with the writing of the study and editing of the final manuscript. MAS: participated in the design of the study, monitoring it and revision of the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.
Funding
This study comes from a Memorandum of Understanding between Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana (Cuba) and Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (Spain). This memorandum does not represent financial obligations for any of the parties. No financial grants or other funding were used.
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Ruiz-Íñiguez, R., Pérez-Díaz, R., García-Jacomino, J. et al. Acceptability and effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention for reducing stress and burnout among mental health professionals: A mixed-methods pilot study conducted in Cuba. Curr Psychol 42, 882–893 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01388-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01388-1