1062 VR for Stress Reduction and Sleep Health Improvement Among Perinatal Women: Insights from the Nurturing Moms Study

Abstract Introduction This qualitative study explores the multifaceted experience of motherhood and its impact on mental wellness, sleep health, and resilience, as well as examines barriers and facilitators of virtual reality (VR) use for stress management among perinatal women of color. Methods Two focus groups were held with perinatal women [n = 13; average age 32 years] identifying as Black or Latina, enrolled in the ongoing Nurturing Moms study at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This pilot project evaluates NurtureVR, a VR-based program for pregnancy-related education and maternal wellness that integrates mindfulness techniques, relaxation, and VR-enabled guided imagery for the pregnancy and post-partum periods. An inductive and iterative approach was employed in the qualitative analysis of the focus group transcripts to identify key themes. Results The qualitative analysis identified five primary themes, encompassing 19 nuanced sub- themes and a total of 94 references: 1) Navigating Motherhood, 2) Maternal Mental Wellness, 3) Embodied Therapy, 4) Postpartum, and 5) Resilience. These themes cover a range of topics including the complexities of motherhood in women from the global majority, maternal mental health, attitudes towards VR for therapy, discussions on postpartum care and medication, and diverse views on resilience as an essential trait among mothers. Participants shared a variety of challenging experiences related to household management, caregiving, financial stress, breastfeeding, finding relaxation time, and achieving adequate sleep. There was also a significant interest in learning about the connection between sleep and stress, with maternal sleep health being identified as a potential area for future VR-based interventions. Conclusion These findings highlight the numerous challenges and barriers faced by women of color during and after pregnancy, which can significantly impact their mental and sleep health. Holistic public health programs targeting maternal health should not only incorporate screening for mental health and sleep issues but also address social determinants of health comprehensively. Additionally, culturally responsive behavioral treatments, which consider the intersection of identities including VR interventions, demonstrate the potential in providing timely and tailored mental health support to perinatal women. Support (if any) NIH 5R01HL142066