Acceptability of a mindfulness intervention for depressive symptoms among African-American women in a community health center: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we examined the acceptability and feasibility of a mindfulness based group intervention for socio-economically disadvantaged women in an urban community health center (M-Body).

Method: Women ages 18-65 with depressive symptoms who participated in an 8-week mindfulness based group intervention were invited to attend follow up focus groups about their experience. Inductive content analysis was used to identify themes from transcripts.

Results: All participants were African-American (N = 27). Participants had limited past experience with mindfulness. They reported benefits included anger management, increased control of thoughts, emotions and behaviors, enhanced awareness/focus and feeling calm and relaxed. Barriers to session attendance included transportation, employment, family responsibilities and child care. Participants suggested modifications such as providing the audio in multiple formats, increasing time spent doing yoga, modifying yoga postures and providing an orientation session. They stated that the content and delivery format of the group was acceptable.

Discussion: The mindfulness based intervention for depression was acceptable, reduced stress and improved coping and functioning among women in a community health center.

Keywords: Acceptability; Disadvantaged; Mental health; Mindfulness; Primary care; Racial/ethnic minority.