Impact Of Structured Yoga Therapy On Depression And Anxiety Among Nursing Officers In Government Hospitals Of Raichur, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Nursing officers are at elevated risk of mild depression and mild anxiety due to workload and work-related stress. Yoga is a low-cost, non-pharmacologic intervention with evidence for improving mood and anxiety.

Objectives: (1) Assess levels of depression and anxiety among nursing officers attending training at DTC Raichur; (2) Evaluate effectiveness of a structured yoga therapy program on mild depression and mild anxiety; (3) Explore association of selected demographic variables with depression and anxiety; (4) Examine correlation between depression and anxiety.

Methods: Quasi-experimental control-group pretest–posttest design. 300 nursing officers screened and enrolled (Experimental n=150, Control n=150). Experimental group received a structured 4-week yoga therapy module (supervised 4 days + home practice: 3×/week, 30 min/session, total 12 sessions). Control group practiced 15-minute Shavasana on same schedule. Outcomes measured with HAM-D (17-item) and HAM-A(14-item) at baseline and after 4 weeks. Analysis: Paired and Unpaired t tests, chi-square, Pearson correlation; significance p<0.05. Ethical approval obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee (Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences).

Results: Mean depression scores in the experimental group decreased from 6.99 (SD 4.47) to 4.86 (SD 3.68) post-intervention (paired t=9.34, p<0.001). Control group depression mean decreased from 6.78 to 5.94 (paired t=6.48, p<0.001). Between-group comparison of posttest depression means favored the experimental group (t=2.49, p=0.016). Mean anxiety scores in the experimental group decreased from 16.61 (SD 6.61) to 11.73 (SD 6.17) (paired t=3.36, p=0.001). Control group anxiety decreased modestly from 14.69 to 13.95 (paired t=5.45, p<0.001). Between-group posttest anxiety difference was significant (t=2.14, p=0.006). Monthly income was significantly associated with pretest depression (χ² p=0.000). Small but significant positive correlations between depression and anxiety were observed (r≈0.07–0.085, p<0.05). Attrition = 12 (4%); ITT analysis with LOCF used for missing posttest data.

Conclusion: A structured short-term yoga therapy program produced statistically and clinically meaningful reductions in mild depression and mild anxiety among nursing officers compared with relaxation control. Yoga can be recommended as an accessible adjunctive intervention for mental wellbeing among healthcare workers