Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Anxiety and Depression among Left-Behind Youth in Nepal: A Controlled Study

Abstract

Youth in Nepal who are left behind because their parents travel on international labour migration are at higher risk for developing anxiety and depression because of separation from their families, financial insecurity, and social isolation. Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have proved to be effective in reducing psychological distress among various populations, there is a lack of research on the applicability and effectiveness of MBIs among Nepalese left-behind young people. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of a structured, culturally adapted mindfulness-based intervention on anxiety and depression symptom reduction in left-behind youth in Nepal. Secondary objectives are to explore symptom levels from pre- to post-intervention, the association between adherence to the mindfulness practice and psychological outcomes, and socio-demographic factors that may impact the effectiveness of the intervention. This study was a randomized controlled trial of left-behind youth aged 12-18 years from selected districts in Nepal who were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The eight week MBI was culturally adapted and implemented by local facilitators who were trained. Quantitative data was collected at baseline, post intervention, and follow-up using validated scales for anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9), and qualitative interviews were performed on lived experiences of the participants. The analysis were carried out using mixed methods, namely t-tests, ANOVA, regression models, and thematic analysis. This article contains the detailed research plan according to IMRD. Expected outcomes include significant reductions in both anxiety and depressive symptoms in the intervention group relative to the control group, as well as positive associations of adherence with better outcomes. Qualitative data will give a contextually-based picture of intervention experiences. The study fills key gaps in empirical studies of psychosocial interventions for left-behind youth in low-resource, culturally distinct contexts. Results will be used to inform the feasibility and cultural adaptation of MBIs in Nepal and other contexts, adding to the evidence on mental health solutions for this vulnerable group.