Mindfulness-Based Intervention Improves Quality of Life and Reduces Burden in Family Caregivers of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial with an Active Control

This pragmatic randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for improving quality of life and reducing caregiver burden among family caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants (n=60) were randomly assigned to either an MBI group or an active control group involving psychoeducational content. The intervention followed the Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion (MBHP) protocol, delivered over eight weekly sessions, with follow-up assessments conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three months later. Results showed statistically significant improvements in the MBI group in quality of life, psychological well-being, and reductions in subjective caregiver burden compared to the control group. Exploratory analyses also revealed associations between increased mindfulness levels and improved functional and psychological outcomes. The intervention was rated as feasible and acceptable by participants, with high adherence and satisfaction rates. These findings support the use of mindfulness-based interventions as a promising strategy for promoting mental health and reducing caregiver strain in populations caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The results have implications for scalable mental health promotion efforts in public health and rehabilitation contexts.