• F Patrick Robinson, Herbert L Mathews, and Linda Witek-Janusek.
• College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7350, USA. prphd@uic.edu
• J Altern Complement Med. 2003 Oct 1; 9 (5): 683-94.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a structured, 8-week, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on perceived stress, mood, endocrine function, immunity, and functional health outcomes in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).DesignThis study used a quasiexperimental, nonrandomized design.MethodsSubjects were specifically recruited (nonrandom) for intervention (MBSR) or comparison group. Data were collected at pretest and post-test in the MBSR group and at matched times in the comparison group. t Tests where performed to determine within-group changes and between-group differences.ResultsNatural killer cell activity and number increased significantly in the MBSR group compared to the comparison group. No significant changes or differences were found for psychological, endocrine, or functional health variables.ConclusionsThese results provide tentative evidence that MBSR may assist in improving immunity in individuals infected with HIV.

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