Prevalence and factors of meditation and yoga practice in the USA: How cancer and anxiety correlate.

Abstract

Purpose: Research has shown that mind-body practices like meditation and yoga can improve quality of life among female cancer survivors. Yet, correlates of the likelihood to use these practices are unknown in the USA. The goal of this study was to use recent data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to establish the prevalence and correlates of meditation and yoga practices among female cancer survivors in the USA, as well as among survivors who report high or frequent anxiety.

Methods: Using data from the NHIS, we identified eligible female respondents who had reported being diagnosed with cancer (N = 1,945). We identified factors associated with meditation and yoga practice use through self-reported surveys.

Results: Our sample (N = 1945) was primarily White (82.9%), 65 years or older (55.2%), heterosexual (97.2%), lived in medium/small metro areas (35.3%) in the South (36.6%), did not report frequent or high anxiety (63.9%), 21.5% used meditation, and 16.8% used yoga. Our results showed that among female survivors with high or frequent anxiety, there were higher odds of using yoga among those living in large central metro areas or who reported other cancers.

Conclusion: Use of meditation and yoga practices after cancer diagnosis remains uncommon. To best reach diverse survivors who may benefit from evidence-based mind-body practices, tailoring may be needed.