A Virtual Music Mindfulness Tool for Individuals of African descent during COVID-19

Mental health disparities result from complex factors, including differential diagnoses, lack of access to standard mental health treatments, and inconsistent application of treatments when care is accessed. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these disparities as marginalized groups had less access to testing and care while having higher infection rates. Community-based forms of care, such as music and mindfulness, are affordable and accessible options that can potentially address present mental health disparities. Specifically, music and mindfulness tools can be delivered virtually and are effective means for treating stress-related conditions. However, previous studies measuring the impact of music and mindfulness on stress-related conditions lack representation of people of African descent (PADs) and other marginalized communities. Among many reasons, bias and mistrust in recruitment strategies contribute to the lack of representation in these research studies. In this pilot study, we tested the feasibility of PAD recruitment in a virtual community-based music mindfulness research study and measured the impact of participation on perceived stress. Participants (14) with diagnosed anxiety were enrolled in an 8-week virtual music mindfulness program. We found a significant correlation between time engaged in our music mindfulness platform and lower perceived stress. Future work will evaluate the adoption and efficacy of these virtual strategies in communities when combined with and replacing standard interventions.