Understanding the feasibility of yoga and compassion meditation for stress management in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Nepal: a qualitative exploration.
Namrata Pradhan, Gørill Haugan, Poonam Rishal, Jennifer Infanti
Global health action December 2025 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2025.2582260 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Nepal |
| Intervention | Yoga and compassion meditation program (YCMP) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | South asia Caregiver Contextual adaptation Low-income country Maternal wellbeing Mindfulness-based intervention Unpaid carer |
| Key findings | Mothers reported improved emotional and physical wellbeing, found the program easily integrated into daily routines, and deemed it culturally appropriate, though time constraints hindered regular practice. The authors propose the program is a feasible approach for managing caregiver stress. |
Abstract
Mothers caring for children with intellectual disabilities often experience high levels of stress and mental health challenges, underscoring the need for targeted health-promoting interventions. This qualitative study explores the feasibility of brief yoga and compassion meditation training for stress management among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Nepal, focusing on their experiences and insights. Twenty-four mothers participated in three separate focus group discussions (FGDs) each with a different group of participants and held in different locations, after completing a yoga and compassion meditation program (YCMP). Thematic analysis was used to explore the intervention's feasibility, based on participants' perception of its acceptability, practicality, appropriateness, adaptability, and implementation demands, along with challenges to address before broader application in health-promotion efforts. Participants reported that the YCMP improved their emotional and physical wellbeing, was easily integrated into daily routines, was culturally and contextually appropriate, and met their desire for non-invasive interventions. The FGDs also revealed demands for such interventions. However, some participants noted challenges, notably time constraints, which limit their ability to engage in regular yoga and meditation practice. The YCMP was valued as a culturally and contextually appropriate approach to managing caregiver stress. Adaptability, low cost, and non-invasive nature supports further research and potential implementation. In addition, insights from the FGDs provide guidance for the ongoing customization and expansion of the intervention.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 2
- A Yoga and Compassion Meditation Program Reduces Stress in Familial Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013
- Yoga and compassion meditation program improve quality of life and self-compassion in family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients: A randomized controlled trial. Geriatrics & gerontology international 2017