Evaluating a Yogic Breathing and Meditation Intervention for Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS
Alison Brazier, Andrea Mulkins, Marja Verhoef
American Journal of Health Promotion 2006 DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-20.3.192 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 62 |
| Population | Individuals living with HIV/AIDS |
| Interventions | breathing movement and meditation techniques |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The residential program produced immediate positive changes in well-being that disappeared over time, while qualitative interviews indicated positive daily-life changes. |
Abstract
Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of a group program aimed at improving well-being among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a residential program designed to teach breathing, movement, and meditation techniques. Sixty-two participants were recruited from community HIV/AIDS organizations. Fifteen withdrawals from the study left 47 study participants. Standardized measures used were the Mental Health Index (MHI), the MOS-HIV Health Survey (MOS), and the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI), along with qualitative interviews. Results. A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated positive changes in well-being on the MHI and the MOS, where the effect was primarily seen immediately following the program and disappeared at later data points. The DSI indicated an increase in experience and impact of stress over time for the intervention group postprogram. Alternatively, the qualitative interviews described positive changes in how participants were living their day-to-day lives. Conclusion. In order to capture the outcomes of this program properly, both qualitative and quantitative measures are needed.