Yoga in primary health care: A quasi-experimental study to access the effects on quality of life and psychological distress

Abstract

Background: and purpose: Yoga is growing in popularity, but its benefits and integration into primary care remain uncertain. Here, we determine yoga effects on quality of life and psychological distress, and evaluate the feasibility of introducing yoga at primary care level.

Materials and methods: This is a prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental study, with an intervention (n = 49) and a control group (n = 37). Yoga group underwent 24-weeks program of one-hour sessions. Our primary endpoint was quality of life and psychological distress, as well as satisfaction level and adherence rate.

Results: Participants reported a significant improvement in all domains of quality of life and a reduction of psychological distress. Linear regression analysis showed that yoga significantly improves psychological quality of life (p = 0.046).

Conclusion: Yoga in primary care is feasible, safe and has a satisfactory adherence, as well as a positive effect on psychological quality of life of participants.

Keywords: Anxiety; Complementary and alternative medicine; Depression; Primary care; Quality of life.