“We’re all in this together”: A qualitative study of predominantly low income minority participants in a yoga trial for chronic low back pain

Abstract

Objective To explore the experiences of low-income minority adults taking part in a yoga dosing trial for chronic low back pain. Design Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nineteen participants recruited from a randomized yoga dosing trial for predominantly low-income minority adults with chronic low back pain. Interviews discussed the impact of yoga on low back pain and emotions; other perceived advantages or disadvantages of the intervention; and facilitators and barriers to practicing yoga. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed, coded using ATLAS.ti software, and analyzed with inductive and deductive thematic analysis methods. Setting Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Results Participants viewed yoga as a means of pain relief and attributed improved mood, greater ability to manage stress, and enhanced relaxation to yoga. Overall, participants felt empowered to self-manage their pain. Some found yoga to be helpful in being mindful of their emotions and accepting of their pain. Trust in the yoga instructors was a commonly cited facilitator for yoga class attendance. Lack of time, motivation, and fear of injury were reported barriers to yoga practice. Conclusions Yoga is a multidimensional treatment for low back pain that has the potential to favorably impact health in a predominantly low-income minority population.

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

“…This finding is consistent with one prior qualitative study examining beliefs about yoga among racially/ethnically diverse participants with chronic low back pain (Keosaian et al, 2016). Yoga instructors can serve as a mediating mechanism to promote self-efficacy.…”

“…Second, our findings reveal that, consistent with prior research, the yoga instructor can be essential to engaging participants (Table 4) (Keosaian et al, 2016); thus, employing a knowledgeable yoga instructor could serve as an important mediating mechanism. Research teams and yoga programs aiming to engage marginalized populations should not only consider the expertise of the yoga instructor, but also personality and teaching style.…”

“…First, promotion of the benefits of yoga could be advantageous. The existing qualitative literature has documented perceived benefits of yoga among racial/ethnic minorities (Atkinson & Permuth-Levine, 2009; Keosaian et al, 2016; Middleton et al, 2017) and more homogeneous samples (Alexander et al, 2010; Quilty et al, 2013). Respondents emphasized that yoga’s potential to promote relaxation may be a selling point on promotional materials.…”

“…Nonetheless, while a few investigations suggest the acceptability and positive benefits of yoga interventions for racial/ethnic minorities (Keosaian et al, 2016; Middleton et al, 2017; Saper et al, 2009; Saper et al, 2013), the literature lacks a clear understanding of beliefs surrounding yoga and perceived barriers to yoga participation among these populations. Further, of the limited yoga research that includes racial/ethnic minorities and/or individuals with a low SES background, study samples lack representation of individuals with no yoga experience and most commonly involve exit interviews, conducted after the respondent already participated in a yoga intervention.…”

Journal Club

“…Overall, participants felt empowered to self-manage their pain. Some found yoga to be helpful in being mindful of their emotions and accepting of their pain' [4]. As a result, Yoga seems to enable patients to better ῾reconnect' to the body itself, its patterns, as well as mental patterns, thereby improving self-efficacy.…”