4 - (SYM 127) Participation in an Online Community-based Mindfulness Program to Reduce Stress in Latina Immigrant Mothers

Background: Mindfulness programs can reduce levels of chronic stress. This study qualitatively assessed the benefits, barriers, motivators, and facilitators to participation in an 8-week online culturally-tailored, community-based mindfulness program for Latina immigrant mothers.

Methods: Four focus groups over zoom with former participants (N=17) and three semi-structured interviews with staff (n=2) and directors (n=1) were conducted in partnership with a community-based organization. The first two focus groups comprised women who participated in five sessions or less (n=8) and the other two focus groups in six sessions or more (n=9). We used thematic analysis and deductive coding to map results onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) Model.

Results: Both groups mentioned similar reasons that challenged their participation in the program, including (1) the need to complete chores or other social and family responsibilities such as child care, (2) not having a mobile data plan or and having a low-quality phone, (3) needing to work, and (4) not having a private or quiet space to practice. Several benefits were identified including perceptions of better sleep, weight loss, stronger immune system, better management of chronic pain and migraines, improved digestion, greater relaxation, increased sense of connectedness to others, improved relationships, increased self-love, resilience, and hope, reduced stress, fear, depression, and anxiety, and knowing how to manage difficult emotions such as anger.

Conclusions: Participation in online community-based mindfulness programs offered at the organizational level requires little to no financial investment from participants and has the potential for improving health; they can be delivered remotely in Spanish in a culturally relevant way.