Abstract
Background: To examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice gap of yoga across India based on implicit perceptions. Methods: The present study is a nationwide door-to-door survey conducted using a questionnaire/screening form. The data were collected from a national survey conducted under the Niyantrit Madhumeh Bharat (NMB) program initiated by The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy (AYUSH), Government of India, from all major zones of the country. A total of 162,330 participants who joined the NMB program were recruited in our study. Results: Out of the total respondents to the survey, it was observed that 11.8% [13,336/112,735] practice yoga, which was highest in the north zone [4,567/112,735] and lowest in the east zone [971/112,735]. Out of 101,643 respondents, 94,135 of the individuals who participated in the survey believed that yoga improved their lifestyle, and 90,102/98,518 believed that yoga prevented diabetes, revealing a huge knowledge–practice gap. Conclusions: The scale of the knowledge–practice gap coupled with the general acceptability of yoga calls for a change in the conventional healthcare provisions by its integration with modern medicine. The population-wide positive perceptions about yoga as a preventive health tool can not only catalyze consensus disease-specific yoga modules but also bridge the knowledge–practice gap that exists because of limited yoga centers and professionals.
Highlights
The latest ‘global action plan on physical activity’, by the WHO (World Health Organization) stresses health and wellness as an outcome of being ‘active’ [1]
This is possible by analyzing health-seeking behavior based on the knowledge–practice gap in the population
A total of 162,330 participants were a part of the initial door-to-door survey and filled out the Niyantrit Madhumeh Bharat (NMB)
Summary
The latest ‘global action plan on physical activity’, by the WHO (World Health Organization) stresses health and wellness as an outcome of being ‘active’ [1]. Health is a broad concept, finding its roots in physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellness [2]. In this context, public health delivery is critical for provisioning an evidence-based integration of alternative approaches for the public good. Public health delivery is critical for provisioning an evidence-based integration of alternative approaches for the public good This is possible by analyzing health-seeking behavior based on the knowledge–practice gap in the population (a knowledge–practice gap is defined as the failure of the public to adopt the existing practices despite knowledge that it promotes the health of an individual). The data were collected from a national survey conducted under the Niyantrit Madhumeh Bharat (NMB) program initiated by The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy (AYUSH), Government of India, from all major zones of the country. A total of 162,330 participants who joined the NMB program were recruited in our study
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