ABSTRACT
Depression is a leading mental health problem and a significant contributor to human suffering and disability, especially among the elderly. Elderly women are known to be more prone to depression than are men. Using a two group, pretest-posttest, control group design, this study sought to determine if a cognitive mindfulness practice program reduced depression among elderly Thai women, with mild to moderate depression, receiving care at a community center in Chiang Mai. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in a cognitive mindfulness practice program developed by the primary researcher. The control group received typical emotional support and nursing care from community nurses at the community center. Each participant’s level of depression was assessed: (a) prior to the start of the program’s protocol; (b) upon program completion; and, (c) three months thereafter. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way mixed-design ANOVA, independent sample t-test and ANCOVA. Those who participated in the cognitive mindfulness practice program, compared to those who did not participate in the program, had a greater decrease in depression scores upon completion of the program and three months after completion of the program. Findings suggest the program may have contributed to changes in the level of depression among those who participated in the program. Nurses educated, and trained, in the use of the cognitive mindfulness program, potentially, could provide a non-biological, culturally appropriate intervention for the treatment of mild to moderate depression among elderly Thai women.