Unrolling the Mat: A Mixed-Methods Study of Yoga Awareness, Perceptions, and Barriers to Daily Practice Among MBBS...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Preventive Health
• Holistic Well-being

Background:

• Medical students face academic pressures and sedentary lifestyles, increasing the need for stress mitigation and well-being strategies.
• Yoga, a traditional practice, offers holistic health benefits including stress reduction and improved concentration.
• There is a need to understand medical students' perspectives on yoga adoption and curriculum integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate awareness, perceptions, and readiness to adopt yoga among MBBS students.
• To identify practical challenges and barriers faced by students in practicing yoga.
• To explore students' views on integrating yoga into the MBBS curriculum.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 MBBS students from AIIMS, Nagpur.
• Data was collected using a pre-validated, structured questionnaire administered electronically.
• Statistical analysis was performed using Python and Jamovi, including non-parametric tests.

Main Results:

• High awareness (87.6%) and positive perceptions of yoga for stress reduction (4.45) and overall health (4.63) were observed.
• Readiness to integrate yoga daily was moderate (68.2%), with significant barriers including time constraints (72.2%) and inconsistency (60%).
• Over 90% of students supported yoga integration into the MBBS curriculum, preferring physical sessions focused on stress relief.

Conclusions:

• A gap exists between medical students' awareness of yoga benefits and their readiness for daily practice due to practical barriers.
• Integrating structured yoga sessions into the medical curriculum is highly supported and presents an opportunity to foster resilience.
• Addressing barriers through flexible, optional programs can enhance yoga adoption and promote long-term professional well-being.