Evaluating a Yogic Breathing and Meditation Intervention for Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS

A residential program teaching breathing, movement, and meditation techniques showed mixed effects on well-being for people living with HIV/AIDS. In a randomized controlled trial with 62 participants, positive changes appeared on standardized mental health and HIV-specific health measures immediately after the program but faded at later time points. The intervention group reported increased stress over time on a daily stress inventory. However, qualitative interviews described positive changes in participants' daily lives. The findings suggest that both quantitative and qualitative measures are needed to fully capture the program's outcomes.

Study at a glance

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.