Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of using a mindfulness
meditation mobile application to improve sleep quality among a diverse group of adults.
Methods
This explanatory qualitative study used online focus group discussions (N = 4 groups with 17 individuals) to collect information about user experiences with
a mindfulness meditation mobile application (Headspace) among participants enrolled
in the MINDS study. A rapid analyses approach was used to descriptively compare motivators
of app use, barriers and facilitators to app use, and perceived tailoring needs across
participants.
Results
Participants on average were 30 years old, 88% female, and identified as Black/African
American (52.9%), White (29.4%), Asian (11.8%), and Hispanic (17.6%). All participants
felt the app was acceptable and appreciated the ability to personalize their app experience.
Individuals with ≥50% intervention adherence (daily use for 30 days) reported being
motivated to use the app because it helped them to fall asleep faster, while the remainder
of participants used the app to relax throughout the day and faced external barriers
to app use (eg, lack of time) and difficulty with app navigation. Only those participants
who used the app exclusively in the evenings reported falling asleep faster and staying
asleep. Suggestions for tailoring the app differed by race and age. Only Black/African
American participants preferred using an instructor based on their race and gender.
Conclusion
Using a mobile meditation app to enhance sleep quality is acceptable and feasible,
but additional tailoring for Black/African American individuals may improve uptake
in this population.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 09, 2022
Accepted:
September 28,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 14,
2022
Received:
June 2,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 National Sleep Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
