Cultivating mindfulness: evaluation of a community-based mindfulness program for Arabic-speaking women in Australia

Abstract Arabic-speaking communities in Australia underutilise mental health services. Previous research with Arabic-speakers recruited individually demonstrated that an Arabic Mindfulness Compact Disc (CD) was acceptable and useful resource for this group. Subsequently, the CD introduced as part of a 5-week group mindfulness program Muslim women. The intervention delivered community setting by bilingual (Arabic/English) psychologist support from multicultural worker. mixed-methods evaluation incorporated pre–post study wait-list control An translation Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21) administered at baseline completion. Pre–post differences were tested using sign test paired samples (one-sided). Qualitative methods used to evaluate program’s acceptability. After five weeks, showed statistically significant improvement on all DASS21 subscales ( n = 12, p < .001 depression stress .01 anxiety). For group, only anxiety 8, .05). analysis revealed how women grew their understanding concepts mastered different techniques, they dealt painful memories, practice assisted them daily lives, related Islam. in-language shown be culturally spiritually relevant, clinically effective. incorporating has potential scaling up. Further is required investigate effectiveness men similar backgrounds.