2.9. Statistical Methods

Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables to ensure data quality (check distributions, examine outliers) and describe the sample. To determine recruitment and retention rates, along with intervention adherence, safety, acceptability, and fidelity, descriptive statistics were used and were reported as frequencies and percentages or mean ± SD. To describe changes in symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress), sleep, and selected biomarkers between baseline and postintervention, paired t-tests and signed-rank tests were used. Data were analyzed using SAS statistical software (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA).