Access and barriers to implementing yoga-based interventions for at-risk adolescent youth. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deitz, Rena; Rajan, Sonali
• Is Part Of: International journal of health promotion and education. Volume 55:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: adolescent youth -- yoga -- program implementation -- mental health; Health education -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14635240.2016.1217163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-5240

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose : research has identified the efficacy of yoga as an effective regulatory and intervention tool for adolescent youth, particularly those likely at risk for engagement in or exposure to a range of risk behaviors. However, limited research exists on both the availability and feasibility of yoga as an intervention to promote engagement in positive health practices. In this present exploratory work, we therefore identify the current availability of such yoga-based programs across the United States (US) targeting adolescent youth and identify barriers to effective program implementation. Methods : a sample of 13 organizations providing yoga-based programming to at-risk youth across the US was generated. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with the directors of each organization. Data were transcribed and thematically coded. Results : results identified the limited availability of yoga-based programming available to at-risk adolescent youth and described several barriers to effective program implementation, including a lack of funding and rigorous research. Conclusions : addressing key barriers to program implementation may increase engagement in such evidence-based programming. Such health promotion efforts, particularly as an affordable supplement to mental health care, may fill an important service and prevention gap.