This qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators to mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) among 14 adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), using semi-structured interviews analyzed via Colaizzi's phenomenological method at a single tertiary hospital in China.
Three core themes emerged: (1) psychological anxiety from DPN symptoms and role changes, (2) limited and often misconceived understanding of MBI alongside general willingness to try it, and (3) varied expectations for MBI effects and delivery format. Key barriers included cognitive misconceptions about mindfulness, socioeconomic constraints, and inadequate healthcare system support.
- Very small sample (n=14) from a single tertiary center in China limits transferability to other settings or healthcare systems. - No pre-registration; purely qualitative design cannot establish efficacy of MBI for DPN. - Purposive sampling from one institution may not capture the full range of patient perspectives.
Clinicians managing DPN should screen for patient misconceptions about mindfulness before recommending MBIs, and consider digital or flexible delivery formats to overcome socioeconomic and access barriers. A DPN-specific, multidisciplinary mindfulness program may improve uptake over generic offerings.
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