A pilot randomized trial tested a free, publicly available mobile app called Mindfulness Coach (MC) tailored to veterans with PTSD. Among 173 U.S. veterans, those assigned to self-guided use of the app showed medium reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression after eight weeks compared with a waitlist control group, but no change in psychosocial functioning. Higher-intensity users experienced greater benefits. App engagement was lower for women and minoritized subpopulations. Study attrition was high (68.4%), but diagnostic tests indicated no bias from missing data. Usability and helpfulness ratings were favorable. The findings suggest MC holds promise as a public health resource for veterans with PTSD, though further study is needed to confirm benefits and ensure consistent engagement across groups.
Anxiety and cancer-related neuropathy are common long-term effects of cancer treatment. Mindfulness meditation delivered through a mobile app may help manage these symptoms, especially for survivors with physical or geographic limitations. This paper describes an ongoing randomized waitlist-controlled trial evaluating the Mindfulness Coach app. Cancer survivors who completed primary treatment and experienced anxiety or neuropathy (200 per condition) were recruited. Data are collected at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. The trial compares treatment and waitlist groups separately for each condition, assessing anxiety, neuropathy, pain, fatigue, trauma, sleep, and app satisfaction. Results are expected in early 2024. The approach aims to make mindfulness meditation accessible to more survivors.