Effect of applying mindfulness-based relapse prevention nursing program on readiness for change and self-efficacy among clients with substance use disorders: A randomized control trial

Objective

Investigate the effect of applying mindfulness-based relapse prevention on readiness for change and self-efficacy among patients with substance use disorders.

Design

A randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms was conducted among 100 male inpatients with substance use disorders, equally divided into a study group and a control group (50 clients in each). Tools included the Five Factors Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale, and the Drug Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale.

Results

The study group exhibited significant and immediate improvement in mindfulness post-intervention, with a large effect size sustained to one month. The intervention markedly enhanced mindfulness significantly more than the control group. The study group demonstrated a significant increase in readiness for change and an immediate significant reduction in temptation-related self-efficacy. In addition, there was a significant increase in confidence-related self-efficacy among the study group, more than in the control group.

Conclusion

The improvement of the five factors of mindfulness following participation in mindfulness-based relapse Prevention was associated with enhanced readiness for change and self-efficacy among patients with substance use disorders in the study group, in contrast to minimum improvement in the control group.

Implications for nursing practice

Our findings suggest that psychiatric nurses can effectively integrate mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention into treatment protocols for substance use disorders, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. Their responsibilities include facilitating mindfulness-based relapse prevention sessions, a practice that can empower patients with valuable skills to navigate the challenges of recovery and maintain abstinence.