ABOUT THE STUDY

The smartphone apps in this study are designed to either: reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, or to boost wellbeing. They are developed at the University of Virginia with funding from the National Cancer Institute. The findings from this study will help us to improve the apps to test in a future study, to see if they could be effective tools for improving mental health in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Interested and motivated individuals are needed to help evaluate our apps. You may be eligible to participate if you are:

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- Female

- At least 18 years old

- Were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III female breast cancer in the last 5 years

- Are struggling with depression and/or anxiety

- Own a smartphone (Android or iOS) and have a data plan

- Are not currently in individual, 1-1, therapy for depression or anxiety

Steps

Participation in this study would involve the following:

1. Fill out the interest form on the home page of this website. 

2. BARCS staff will determine if you meet initial eligibility criteria.

3. If you meet initial eligibility criteria, we will contact you by email and schedule a phone interview.

4. During the phone interview, we will explain the study and discuss the criteria for enrollment. We will have time to answer any questions or concerns you may have during the phone call. We will also ask you a few questions about your cancer history and current mental health.

5. If you are not eligible for the study, we will inform you.

6. If you are eligible and choose to participate, you will electronically sign a consent form. You will be emailed a copy of your signed consent form.

7. You will be instructed to complete an online questionnaire that will be emailed to you. It takes about 30 minutes to complete. The questions will ask you about your health and daily life activities

8. Once the questionnaire is completed, you will be assigned an app to use for approximately 1 week. Apps are assigned as they become available. The app you are assigned does not reflect your mental health status. 

9. After a week of using the app, you will be asked to complete another online questionnaire. You may also be asked to participate in a brief phone interview with BARCS staff The interview will focus on your experience with the app you used

10. We will send you up to a $50 gift certificate after completing the questionnaire after 1 week and completing the phone interview. 

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