Aanapanasati Meditation and Stress Reduction Among Health Science University Students

Background Stress is a key psychological issue that affects the physical and mental health of health science university students. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stress reduction by AM among health science university students. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Thammasat University's Faculty of Dentistry from August to December 2023. The subjects were first-year dental students who had an initial Perceived Stress Scale (T-PSS-10) between 1 and 26 and participated in the Anapanasati meditation training program (AMTP) focused on concentration meditation. Participants attended four AMTP workshops in weeks 1, 4, 8, and 14. Stress levels were assessed using T-PSS-10 one week before the study, in week 14 and week 18. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and repeated measures ANOVA. Effect size and Bonferroni statistic were used for mean difference evaluation. Results A total of 28 participants were recruited for the study. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in stress levels among participants following the AMTP program. T-PSS-10 scores decreased from 17.7 to 9.8 and 8.4 at 14 and 18 weeks, respectively (t= 0.79 and 0.93, p<0.001). Qualitative feedback also indicated positive effects on academic focus, stress reduction, physical relaxation, and interpersonal relationships. Conclusion AMTP helps healthcare science students reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.