The impact of yoga in medically underserved populations: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Integrative Medicine
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Yoga is recognized for its health benefits but access is often limited by cost and location.
• Community health centers offer a potential venue to increase access to wellness programs.
• Evaluating yoga's impact within these settings is crucial for understanding its public health utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability, accessibility, and impact of yoga classes co-located in community health centers.
• To identify participant demographics, motivations, and barriers related to yoga class attendance.
• To determine the short-term and medium-term effects of yoga on pain and stress.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods program evaluation was conducted with participants in yoga classes at two community health centers.
• Pre/post surveys were administered at the first class, with structured interviews conducted at 4 months.
• Outcome measures included pain and stress levels, alongside qualitative data on participant experiences and demographics.

Main Results:

• Yoga classes were attended by a diverse group of middle- and low-income adults, primarily reached through flyers and word-of-mouth.
• A single yoga session significantly reduced pain and stress, though these effects were not sustained at 4 months.
• Key motivators included stress relief and health improvement, while barriers involved family, schedule, and illness; benefits encompassed physical improvements, relaxation, and community connection.

Conclusions:

• Co-locating yoga within community health centers is a feasible strategy to enhance access to wellness practices.
• These programs offer tangible benefits, including stress reduction and improved physical well-being.
• This model presents a viable approach to mitigating disparities in access to yoga and its associated health advantages.