Mindfulness-based stress reduction via mobile phone on female family caregivers' anxiety and sleep quality during COVID-19

Purpose This study aims to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) via mobile phone on female family caregivers during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach In the experimental study, 81 female family caregivers were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 40) and control group (n = 41). The experimental group received MBSR via mobile phone. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire - Seventh Edition were evaluated at the beginning of the study, week 3 and week 8, respectively. Findings In both groups, anxiety decreased over time, although the decrease in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group (F = 22.912 p < 0.001). Sleep quality improved slightly in both groups over time; this improvement in the experimental group was significantly more than in the control group (F = 3.751 p = 0.035). Originality/value The MBSR via mobile phone helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in women caring for isolated patients at home.