Effect of Yoga on Depression and Somatic Symptoms of Women Labourers

Naorem Shyami Devi, Dr. Naorem Jiteswori Devi, Dr. Ashween Shashikant Bilagi

Abstract: Yoga is one of the most effective and suitable tools to control various types of physical and psychological problems. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of yoga on depression and somatic symptoms on women labourers. Thirty five (35) women labours with ages ranging from 18 to 60 years after fulfillment of their inclusion and exclusion criteria had undergone yoga intervention program for 3 months. They were assessed on the 1st and the last day of the programme using BDI II and SASS questionnaires. There were significant reduction after yoga intervention in depression scores (BDI-II) (p<0.001) and in SASS Domain 1, 2, 3 and 4 (p<0.001). Regular practice of yoga can be a beneficial, cost effective and self-corrective practice for labour womens to retain the healthy mental health, further RCTs are required to support.

Keywords: Yoga, Depression, Somatic Symptoms, Women, Labourer