Objectives: Infertility and its treatments result in considerable emotional burden. This study aimed to examine the impact of a stand-alone mobile mindfulness application (MoMiFer-app). Methods: A pilot RCT was conducted with participants randomized into an intervention group (n = 34) using the MoMiFer-app, and a wait-list control group (n=38). Outcomes were collected at baseline, 1.5 months, and 3 months post-randomization using experience sampling method (ESM) and self-report questionnaires. Primary outcomes included symptoms of emotional distress (DASS-21+ESM) and fertility-related quality of life (FertiQoL). Secondary outcomes assessed repetitive negative thinking (PTQ), self-compassion (SCS-SF), and mindfulness skills (CHIME-SF+ESM). App usage was evaluated through app-tracking. Results: Multilevel analysis showed no significant improvement in primary outcomes. However, the MoMiFer-app significantly enhanced self-compassion and mindfulness skills, as assessed by self-report questionnaires. A significant condition×time effect was observed for mindfulness skills at 1.5 months (T1; p = .02) and 3 months (T2; p = .02), and for self-compassion at 3 months (T2; p = .006). No effect was observed on repetitive negative thinking. The app was rated as good quality, but nearly half of the participants (47%) practiced mindfulness with the app once a week or less. Conclusions: Online mindfulness-based interventions can be valuable in fertility care providing easily accessible low-intensive mental support, even if they do not directly improve emotional distress or quality of life in the short term. The trial’s timing during the COVID-19 pandemic and low app usage may have influenced outcomes. Further research on potential stressors and ways to increase user adherence is needed to better understand the app’s impact.
Boedt et al. (Mon,) studied this question.