Mental health and family quality of life after yoga and compassion meditation: A randomised feasibility study among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Nepal.

A feasibility study in Nepal tested a brief yoga and compassion meditation program (YCMP) for mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. Of 103 enrolled mothers, 90 completed assessments. After the intervention, YCMP participants reported low perceived stress and acceptable satisfaction with disability-related support and physical/material wellbeing, unlike controls. Within the intervention group, anxiety and depression symptoms decreased, while emotional wellbeing and parenting satisfaction improved. The authors suggest YCMP may improve mental health and family quality of life in low-resource settings, but larger randomized studies are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mothers of children with intellectual disabilities often experience stress, anxiety, and depression, impacting family quality of life (FQOL). Yoga and compassion meditation program (YCMP) may offer accessible strategies to support wellbeing. This feasibility study explored preliminary effects of brief YCMP on mental health and FQOL outcomes among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Nepal. A randomised feasibility study enrolled 103 mothers; 90 completed assessments. The YCMP included a 75-minute in-person session, take-home practices, and a 6-week refresher. Outcomes included perceived stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, and FQOL. Post-intervention, YCMP participants were in the "acceptable" satisfaction category for disability-related support and physical/material wellbeing, and low perceived stress, compared with controls. Within the intervention group, anxiety and depression symptoms decreased, while emotional wellbeing and parenting satisfaction improved. YCMP may improve mental health and FQOL for mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in low-resource settings. Larger randomised studies are warranted.