Exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practice associated with meditation among patients with melanoma

Aim: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with meditation among people with melanoma and
investigate the relationship between perceived stress, trait mindfulness, and meditation. Factors associated with interest
to participate in an online meditation program were also explored. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study of
291 patients attending a melanoma outpatient clinic assessed knowledge of meditation, attitudes toward meditation using
Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory (DMPI), and meditation experience. Perceived stress and trait mindfulness
were measured using the Perceived Stressed Scale and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, respectively. Results:
Participants who had tried meditation (43%) were likely to be younger, female, and have completed higher education or be
employed. Perceived stress score was higher among women, younger participants, and those treated in the past year but
did not differ by melanoma stage. Participants reported a good understanding of the potential benefits of meditation, but
even among people with meditation experience, common misconceptions prevailed. The main barrier to meditation was a
perceived lack of knowledge about meditation . Higher DMPI scores were associated with lower education, moderate to
low access to service centers, or living in disadvantaged neighborhoods . Participants practicing meditation that involved
self-reflection reported less stress and higher trait mindfulness compared with participants practicing another type of
meditation. People interested in participating in an online meditation-based program reported higher perceived stress than
those not interested. Conclusion: A meditation-based intervention teaching self-reflective practices, targeted at people
with melanoma, may have the potential to assist them with managing their stress.