Enhancing yoga participation: A qualitative investigation of barriers and facilitators to yoga among predominantly racial/ethnic minority, low-income adults. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spadola, Christine E.; Rottapel, Rebecca; Khandpur, Neha; Kontos, Emily; Bertisch, Suzanne M.; Johnson, Dayna A.; Quante, Mirja; Khalsa, Sat Bir S.; Saper, Robert B.; Redline, Susan
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 29(2017)
• Page Start: 97
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Yoga -- Qualitative -- Racial/ethnic minority -- Low-income -- Community-based -- Marginalized populations; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Yoga is underutilized among racial/ethnic minorities and low-income populations. To enhance participation among these demographic groups and to inform a future clinical trial, we conducted a qualitative formative investigation, informed by the Social Contextual Model of health behavior change, to identify barriers and facilitators to yoga that could impact study participation. We recruited twenty-four racially/ethnically diverse adults, with and without prior yoga experience, from a low-income, urban housing community to participate in either an individual interview or focus group. A thematic data analysis approach was employed. Barriers to yoga engagement included the perception that yoga lacks physicality and weight loss benefits, fear of injury, lack of ability/self-efficacy to perform the practices, preference for other physical activities, and scheduling difficulties. Facilitators of yoga engagement included a quality yoga instructor who provides individualized instruction, beginner level classes, and promotional messaging that highlights the potential benefits of yoga, such as stress reduction.