Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction App for African American Caregivers (MBSR)

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The study investigators are developing and testing a mobile-friendly web-based app that contains features related to mindfulness and reducing stress for African American informal caregivers of people with chronic conditions. The purpose of the app is to help a vulnerable population reduce stress by learning and practicing mindfulness activities.

Detailed Description
-----------------
For Aim 1, the study investigators conducted 10 formative interviews with African American caregivers and key informants to elicit recommendations for features to be included in the app as well as feedback on preliminary ideas for features. For Aim 2, the study investigators developed the programming for the app with the desired features, which included modules for journaling, tracking stress ratings, practicing mindfulness exercises by using two videos and two audio tracks developed for the app, and viewing weekly suggestions for caregiver/care recipient bonding activities, inspirational quotes and positive affirmations. For Aim 3, the study investigators are testing the app using a feasibility trial with 30 caregiver participants. The study participants answer questions on depression, anxiety, perceived stress, overload and self-compassion at baseline and follow-up. Participants are instructed to use the app for four weeks and to return for their follow-up visit to fill out the same surveys assessed at baseline plus a satisfaction questionnaire to assess their evaluation of the app. These data will inform future enhancements, which will be proposed in a Phase II SBIR/STTR application.

Official Title
-----------------
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction App for African American Caregivers of People With Chronic Conditions

Conditions
-----------------
Stress

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Mindfulness app


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Informal caregiver participants will be screened for the ability to speak English. In addition, the caregivers must currently be providing support for a person living with HIV. Support can include: 1) emotional support, 2) physical support, 3) financial support, 4) opportunities for social participation, and/or 5) health advice. Exclusion Criteria: Psychiatric problems such as untreated psychosis, which could preclude their ability to successfully adhere to the intervention

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: This is a feasibility trial with a single group of 30 participants who are using an app and providing feedback on the app.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Arms and Interventions<br>Mindfulness App Use Participants will have the opportunity to use the mindfulness app for four weeks. | Behavioral: Mindfulness app<br>* The mindfulness app contains 6 modules with a variety of features to help caregivers reduce their stress.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Perceived Stress | Perceived stress scores entered into the app by the participant | 4 weeks |