Dagmara I Moscoso1, David Goese2, Gregory J Van Hyfte3, Zelda Mayer4, Loretta Cain5, Frances Kobiernicki6, Angela Cano-Garcia7, Crystal Unzueta8, L Tatiana Ormaza9, Kohar Jones10. 1. University of Chicago, The College, United States. Electronic address: moscosodagmara@gmail.com. 2. University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, United States. Electronic address: dgoese@emory.edu. 3. YogaCare, 1808 W. Chicago Ave. #2R, Chicago, IL 60622, United States. Electronic address: greg@yogacareus.org. 4. I Grow Chicago, 6402 S. Honore St., Chicago, IL 60636, United States. Electronic address: zelda@igrowchicago.org. 5. University of Chicago, Department of Family Medicine, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 7110, Suite M-156, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. Electronic address: Loretta_cain@yahoo.com. 6. University of Chicago, The College, United States. Electronic address: fkobiernicki@gmail.com. 7. University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Family Medicine, 1919 West Taylor Street, Room 196, Chicago, IL 60612, United States. Electronic address: angycanogarcia@gmail.com. 8. University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Family Medicine, 1919 West Taylor Street, Room 196, Chicago, IL 60612, United States. Electronic address: crystalunzueta@gmail.com. 9. University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work, 1040 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607-7134, United States. Electronic address: tatiana.ormaza@gmail.com. 10. University of Chicago, Department of Family Medicine, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 7110, Suite M-156, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. Electronic address: kohar.jones@gmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the acceptability, access, and impact of yoga among participants in yoga classes co-located in community health centers. DESIGN: Participants were invited to complete a mixed-methods program evaluation consisting of a pre/post survey at their first class and structured interviews at 4 months. SETTING: The study took place at two community health centers on the South Side of Chicago, IL, USA. INTERVENTIONS: Four weekly 1-1.5 hour yoga classes were provided by four certified yoga instructors trained to teach to all ability levels. MEASURES: Our primary outcome measures were pain and stress before and after the first class, and at 4-months. We gathered data about participant demographics, their health problems, how they accessed the classes, and motivations and barriers to attending. We also extracted themes from participants' qualitative feedback about their experiences. RESULTS: Overall, 70 participants completed the initial surveys; 44 completed the 4-month interviews. A racially and ethnically diverse group of middle- and low-income adult patients and community members attended, with flyers and word of mouth the major routes to the class. A single yoga class provided statistically significant decreases in pain and stress, but these benefits were not demonstrated at the 4-month follow-up. The primary motivators for yoga class attendance were stress relief, exercise, and overall health improvement. Primary barriers included family issues, schedule, illness, and work conflicts. Primary benefits included physical benefits, relaxation, emotional benefits, and community connectedness. CONCLUSIONS: Co-locating yoga classes in community health centers provides a variety of benefits and is a viable pathway to addressing disparities in yoga access.
OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the acceptability, access, and impact of yoga among participants in yoga classes co-located in community health centers. DESIGN:Participants were invited to complete a mixed-methods program evaluation consisting of a pre/post survey at their first class and structured interviews at 4 months. SETTING: The study took place at two community health centers on the South Side of Chicago, IL, USA. INTERVENTIONS: Four weekly 1-1.5 hour yoga classes were provided by four certified yoga instructors trained to teach to all ability levels. MEASURES: Our primary outcome measures were pain and stress before and after the first class, and at 4-months. We gathered data about participant demographics, their health problems, how they accessed the classes, and motivations and barriers to attending. We also extracted themes from participants' qualitative feedback about their experiences. RESULTS: Overall, 70 participants completed the initial surveys; 44 completed the 4-month interviews. A racially and ethnically diverse group of middle- and low-income adult patients and community members attended, with flyers and word of mouth the major routes to the class. A single yoga class provided statistically significant decreases in pain and stress, but these benefits were not demonstrated at the 4-month follow-up. The primary motivators for yoga class attendance were stress relief, exercise, and overall health improvement. Primary barriers included family issues, schedule, illness, and work conflicts. Primary benefits included physical benefits, relaxation, emotional benefits, and community connectedness. CONCLUSIONS: Co-locating yoga classes in community health centers provides a variety of benefits and is a viable pathway to addressing disparities in yoga access.
Authors: Christine E Spadola; Rebecca E Rottapel; Eric S Zhou; Jarvis T Chen; Na Guo; Sat Bir S Khalsa; Susan Redline; Suzanne M Bertisch Journal: Complement Ther Clin Pract Date: 2020-02-21 Impact factor: 2.446
Authors: Belinda J Anderson; Paul Meissner; Donna M Mah; Arya Nielsen; Steffany Moonaz; M Diane McKee; Benjamin Kligler; Mirta Milanes; Hernidia Guerra; Raymond Teets Journal: J Altern Complement Med Date: 2021-03-15 Impact factor: 2.579