Abstract
Objective: To examine the efficacy and the role of engagement of an internet-based Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (iMBSR) for survivors of breast cancer (BC) during the COVID-19 period from January to March in 2020 in China.Methods: 48 survivors of BC were divided into the absentees group and the iMBSR groups according to their attending to the standardized, group-based, 8-week iMBSR. Based on practice time, survivors of BC in the iMBSR were categorized into three subgroups: group 1 (<30 min/day), group 2 (30–60 min/day), and group 3 (>60 min/day). In addition, participants were classified as partial attendees (<4 sessions) and completers (more than 4 sessions) of the iMBSR groups. All participants were evaluated for symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention.Results: After an 8-week iMBSR practice, at mid-intervention and post-intervention, participants in iMBSR group had significant improvement in scores and reduction rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia compared to absentees. Scores of depression and insomnia, reduction rates of depression at post-intervention, scores of anxiety, reduction rates of anxiety and insomnia at mid-intervention and post-intervention, had significant differences among subgroups of practice time. Daily practice time was positively related to reduction rates of depression, anxiety and insomnia at post-intervention in the iMBSR group.Conclusion: Internet-based MBSR showed efficacy in reducing psychological symptoms among survivors of BC. For survivors of BC, iMBSR practice has a potential dose–response efficacy, with a threshold of >30 min daily practice for most optimal symptoms reduction.Trial Registration: Registration number is [ChiCTR2100044309].
Highlights
A report on the global burden of cancer worldwide for estimates of cancer incidence and mortality in 2018 showed that breast cancer (BC) was the second commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for 11.6% of total cancer cases
After an 8-week internet-based Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (iMBSR) practice, at mid-intervention and post-intervention, participants in iMBSR group had significant improvement in scores and reduction rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia compared to absentees
Practice time was positively related to reduction rates of depression, anxiety and insomnia at post-intervention in the iMBSR group
Summary
A report on the global burden of cancer worldwide for estimates of cancer incidence and mortality in 2018 showed that breast cancer (BC) was the second commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for 11.6% of total cancer cases. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death [1]. BC survivors face challenges to cope over time with high physiological and psychological symptoms burden and distress, which affect their well-being and quality of life [3]. Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses showed high global prevalence of depression and anxiety among BC patients (32.2 and 41.9%, respectively) [4, 5]. Untreated symptoms of depression and anxiety in BC patients could lead to poor quality of life, increased mortality [6], and high economic costs [7]
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