Previously submitted to: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (no longer under consideration since Nov 02, 2017)
Date Submitted: Nov 2, 2017
Open Peer Review Period: Nov 3, 2017 - Nov 3, 2017
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Online mindfulness-based stress reduction for lesbian women: A feasibility study
Background:
Minority stress is the prevailing explanation for health disparities among sexual minority women (SMW). In regions where anti-discrimination policy does not exist for sexual minority people, individual-level interventions may be beneficial to SMW health. Online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) programs have shown promise for reducing stress among heterosexual populations, but it is unknown if such programs are feasible for SMW.
Objective:
The objective for this project was to determine the feasibility of the OMBSR program for SMW residing in Appalachian Tennessee.
Methods:
SMW in Appalachian Tennessee were recruited to test the feasibility of an 8-week, OMBSR program. Participants completed weekly mindfulness activities, activity logs, and two qualitative interviews.
Results:
16 SMW enrolled in and 11 completed the 8-week OMBSR program. Preliminary analyses indicate that 94% of SMW completed some form of mindfulness activities daily, including daily meditations. SMW enjoyed the program and described it as high quality and easy to use. Participants were able to access the program on tablets, smart phones, and laptops. SMW reported time to complete daily meditations and wifi access two barriers to program participation.
Conclusions:
The OMBSR program may be feasible for lesbians in Appalachian Tennessee. Individual level interventions are not a substitute for widespread anti-discrimination policy, but in regions where such policy is lacking, OMBSR may be a feasible stress-reduction tool.
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