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A mindfulness-based stress management program and treatment with omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy mental state in hospital nurses (Happy Nurse Project): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Nursing is a depression-prone healthcare profession. Despite a significant underdiagnosis of depression, nurses continue to endure depression and anxiety, resulting in a negative impact on the patient care they are able to deliver. A lack of evidence to support mental health preventative strategies for this vulnerable population remains noticeable. After conducting a literature review, Watanabe et al. (2015) investigated the potential approach of using omega-3 fatty acids and a mindfulness-based stress management program to aid 120 hospital ward-employed junior nursing staff. Nurses participating in the study underwent four 30-minute individual mindfulness cognitive therapy sessions and received either a 1,200 mg/day of eicosapentaenoic acid and 600 mg/day of docosahexaenoic acid supplement or a placebo, for 90 days. Response to the intervention was gauged using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the nurses were evaluated for major depressive episodes, severity of depression, anxiety, insomnia, burnout, and productivity. Utility scores and unexpected medical problems were assessed at 13, 26, and 52 weeks. The authors present their work as a recommendation of the necessary background and methods required for conducting a randomized trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supportive programs utilizing omega-3 fatty acids and mindfulness-based stress management to reduce depression suffered by nursing staff. [NPID: Anxiety, behavior therapy, depression, fatty acids, omega-3, mindfulness, prevention and control]
Year: 2015
