Preferences for and Experiences With Yoga in Appalachian Veterans: A Mixed Method Study

Rural Veterans experience disproportionate rates of chronic health conditions positively affected by yoga, though preferences for yoga remain unknown in this understudied population.

To determine knowledge of and preferences for yoga in Central Appalachian Veterans.

This quality improvement study was conducted at a low-complexity VA medical center (VAMC) that primarily serves rural Veterans in Central Appalachia. Veterans attending appointments in a wide array of clinics were asked by six providers to complete a study-specific survey following their clinical care. Questions focused on knowledge of and preferences of yoga services. Quantitative items were summarized using summary statistics. Due to the brevity of open-ended questions and small sample size, a modified rapid content analysis was used to identify sentiments.

Forty-nine surveys were completed. Nearly sixty percent had heard of yoga and one-third had practiced before. Approximately half of Veterans preferred a group format that was located close to their primary care clinics. Results were mixed for preferences of modality. Sixty nine percent preferred physician referral to yoga.

This study underscores the importance of educating patients and providers on current resources and potential benefits of yoga to enhance the use of yoga among this unique, underserved population. Use of existing resources within the VAMC, particularly the Whole Health System, may improve the reach of yoga, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of these Veterans.