Mindfulness Program for Children Aged 4-12 With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Their Caregivers An 8-Week Online Study Evaluating Health and Well-being

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of Making Mindfulness Matter M3, an online mindfulness program for children aged 4 to 12 with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis JIA and their caregivers. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to assess whether the M3 program improves the childs health-related quality of life and mental health, as well as the caregivers well-being. The study also seeks to understand the link between mental health and disease outcomes in children with JIA. The trial involves two groups one receiving the M3 intervention and the other serving as a waitlist control. The intervention consists of an 8-week online program with live sessions led by facilitators. Parents participate in weekly 90-minute sessions, while children attend separate 60-minute sessions tailored to their age and developmental level. Children and parents join together for a shared mindfulness exercise after each child session. Control group participants continue usual treatment and complete questionnaires during the study period they will receive the M3 program after the trial to reduce dropouts. Participants and their caregivers will complete questionnaires at the start, during, and after the intervention to measure quality of life, mental health, disease severity, and executive function. The programs feasibility and participant satisfaction will also be evaluated. The study will last through the 8-week intervention and include follow-up assessments up to two months afterward. This trial is sponsored by the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Josephs.

M3-JIA: Making Mindfulness Matter for Children With JIA