Abstract
Although mindfulness-based interventions may be effective in addressing the common symptom of fatigue, no population-based studies have examined the relationship between mindfulness and fatigue. We determined whether higher levels of dispositional mindfulness were associated with lower levels of fatigue. Cross-sectional data were obtained through the Pennsylvania Head Start Staff Wellness Survey, a 2012 web-based survey in which 2199 of 3375 (65%) eligible staff participated. The analytic sample was restricted to the 2083 female respondents with complete data on dispositional mindfulness (Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale). We determined the mean covariate-adjusted fatigue scores in each quartile of dispositional mindfulness. This relationship was examined in the overall sample and within subgroups defined by levels of four variables: depressive symptoms, poor sleep quality, childhood adversity, and chronic medical conditions. The sample was 86% non-Hispanic White, and 61% had a bachelor's or more advanced degree. The mean (SD) Fatigue Severity Scale score was 3.3 (1.3). The adjusted mean fatigue score decreased significantly and in a graded manner across higher quartiles of mindfulness, with the adjusted fatigue score 1.4 points lower (95% confidence interval: −1.5, −1.2) among those in the highest quartile of dispositional mindfulness compared to the lowest. This significant graded relationship was present within each subgroup examined, and there was not a statistically significant interaction between dispositional mindfulness and any subgroup variable. Future trials of mindfulness-based interventions should consider assessing the outcome of fatigue in both clinical and non-clinical populations.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 105873 |
Journal | Preventive Medicine |
Volume | 129 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2019 |
Keywords
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Affective symptoms
- Chronic disease
- Fatigue
- Mindfulness
- Sleep
- Women, working
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Epidemiology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health