Exploring knowledge, attitude and practice regarding yoga among patients attending cardiology and neurology clinics in a tertiary care hospital in northern India

Background. The use of complementary and alternative medicine, particularly yoga is increasing in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We assessed the overall awareness regarding yoga among patients and their opinion about it as an adjunct therapy for NCDs. Methods. We included 384 patients attending the cardiology and neurology clinics at a tertiary care centre in northern India. A questionnaire was developed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of yoga as a therapy. Results. Ninety per cent of patients were aware of yoga, mainly through print and electronic media. Of the surveyed patients, 22% practised yoga. Lack of time and knowledge were cited as the main reasons for non-practice among the non-practising patients (88%), of which 82% believed that yoga could be practised along with modern medicine. In addition, 61% were ready to accept treatment if offered at the surveyed tertiary care centre. Conclusions. Adequate knowledge, awareness and attitude towards yoga appears to be present in contrast to the low practice among the patient population surveyed. If implemented in an integrated fashion, the patients were willing to accept yoga as an adjunct therapy for their cardiac and neurological disorders-an encouraging sign given the burden of NCDs in India.