Engagement in mindfulness practices by U.S. adults: sociodemographic barriers

J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Feb;21(2):100-2. doi: 10.1089/acm.2014.0269.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of sociodemographic factors on mindfulness practices.

Methods: National Health Interview Survey Alternative Medicine Supplement data were used to examine sociodemographic predictors of engagement in meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong.

Results: Greater education was associated with mindfulness practices (odds ratio [OR], 4.02 [95% confidence interval [CI], 3.50-4.61]), men were half as likely as women to engage in any practice, and lower engagement was found among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics.

Conclusion: Vulnerable population groups with worse health outcomes were less likely to engage in mindfulness practices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meditation
  • Middle Aged
  • Mindfulness / methods
  • Mindfulness / statistics & numerical data*
  • Qigong / statistics & numerical data
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Tai Ji / statistics & numerical data
  • United States
  • Vulnerable Populations
  • Yoga