TY - JOUR AU - Sriboonpimsuay, Wanlapa PY - 2011/09/01 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Meditation for Preterm Birth Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Udonthani, Thailand JF - International Journal of Public Health Research JA - Int. J. Pub. Health Res. VL - 1 IS - 1 SE - Clinical Research DO - UR - https://spaj.ukm.my/ijphr/index.php/ijphr/article/view/121 SP - 31-39 AB - <p>Introduction</p><p>Preterm birth represents a major obstetric complication. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a meditation programme in the prevention of preterm birth. </p><p>Methods</p><p>This study was a randomized controlled trial without blinding. The study was performed at Udonthani Hospital in Northeast Thailand. A total of 199 eligible participants were randomly assigned to a five-step mindfulness meditation programme (n=84) or a control group (n=115). The control group received routine prenatal care. The meditation and control group subjects did not differ on a wide variety of sociodemographic characteristics, or in terms obstetric history and prior meditation experience. The data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis after delivery, using less than 37 weeks as the criterion for a preterm birth. Other outcome variables included a subjective measure of symptoms of stress.</p><p>Results</p><p>The preterm birth rate for the meditation group was significantly less than that for the control group (6.0% vs. 15.7%, p=0. 037). The stress scores reported by the meditation group markedly decreased over time (p&lt;0.001), while the control group scores showed no change (p=0.375).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The results confirm and strengthen the findings of past research indicating that participation in a meditation programme can reduce symptoms of stress. Meditation appears to be a promising technique for reducing the incidence of preterm birth. Recommendations are made for future research in this area.</p> ER -