Effects of Yoga in Health and Aging: A Knowledge-Based Descriptive Study of Health Educators in Universities of Nigeria

Abstract

Yoga, a mind-body practice, is a potentially promising physical activity that has positive effects in human health and aging. A complete knowledge of these effects remains a prerequisite for attaining optimum health and functional aging. The study determined the quality of knowledge of effects of yoga in health and aging as possessed by health educators in universities of Nigeria. The study was guided by five research questions and four null hypotheses. Relevant literature on the effects of yoga in health and aging was properly reviewed and documented. Using descriptive method, a total of 300 health educators was conveniently sampled and studied. Data collection was done using a four-point knowledge scale questionnaire. The descriptive statistics was employed for qualitative data analysis. The result showed that the quality of knowledge of effects of yoga in health and aging as possessed by health educators in universities of Nigeria was adequate. The study also showed that the quality of knowledge of the above phenomenon differed based on demographic variables of gender, location, years of working experiences and educational qualification. Statistically, it was found that significant differences exist between variables of gender and educational qualification while none existed on location and years of working experiences. In conclusion, the quality of knowledge possessed by health educators in diverse fields of health and aging promotion as well as lifestyle modification is indeed reflecting in all domains via: cognitive, affective and psychomotor. This however, defined the worth of the training, skills, exposures and professional competences as well as programmes and prospects put in place for their professional development.