The Effect of Yoga for Stress Among HIV Patients in Indonesia

The Effect of a Yoga Intervention for Reducing Stress Among People Living With HIV in Indonesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is aimed to evaluate the effects of yoga intervention versus usual care (control group) for reducing stress among people living with HIV in Indonesia.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a public health challenge for four decades after the disease appeared. Stress is one of the most common mental health problems that occur among people living with HIV. Yoga is increasingly popular as one of the complementary therapies in health care systems including in nursing. Moreover, much evidence shows that yoga is a promising modality to be used to treat stress and to maintain the health and wellbeing of PLWH.

Purpose: The primary objective in this study is to evaluate the effects of yoga intervention versus usual care (control group) for reducing stress among people living with HIV in Indonesia.

Methods: This study will use a parallel group randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, with single blinding, and repeated measures. Sample will be divided into a yoga intervention group and a routine care group as the control group. In this study, the independent variable is defined as yoga intervention, and the dependent variable is stress. In total, participants who will participate is sixty-six, thirty-three participants in yoga group and thirty-three in control group. The Generalized Estimating Equation will be performed for the data analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants are patients who

• Had been diagnosed with HIV.
• Were newly diagnosed or had taken ARV medication for at least one month.
• Are age 18 years or older.
• Have access to a desktop, laptop, or smartphone on a regular basis.
• Have access to reliable internet.
• Are fluent in Indonesian.
• Are willing to participate and sign the consent form.
• Are willing to be blood tested for CD4 counts or viral load at baseline and eight weeks after the intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients who did not qualify to participate were:

• Those who reported performing yoga or other body-mind exercises at least one-month prior to the start of this study.
• Those who were not in physically fit condition
• Those who had been diagnosed with musculoskeletal problems, i.e., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bone injury, or spine problems.
• Those who have difficulty keeping their balance.
• Those who are currently pregnant, or plan to become pregnant during the trial.