Promoting health and healthy behavior among people affected by HIV/AIDS in Manila, Philippines: An evaluation of the Yoga For Life program and its impact on physical health, mental health, social support, risk behavior, and wellbeing

The Philippines is experiencing a rapid increase in the incidence of HIV/AIDS, demanding additional HIV prevention, care, treatment, and psychosocial services. Yoga for Life (YFL) is the first community-based yoga program focused on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and others affected by HIV/AIDS in Manila, Philippines. YFL promotes yoga, meditation, and breathing as effective complementary therapies for PLWHA while supporting standard biomedical care and treatment, encouraging medical adherence, and promoting reduced risk behaviors. The author conducted an evaluation of Yoga for Life to assess the impact of the program on participants' physical health, mental health, social support systems, risk behaviors, and overall wellbeing. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, questionnaires, participant observation, and key informant interviews. The study population consisted of YFL members, YFL instructors, and local HIV specialists. YFL proactively addresses the needs of the growing number of people affected by HIV/AIDS in Manila, Philippines and fills a gap in available HIV services. YFL provides a venue for community members (both HIV negative and positive) to enhance physical health, address mental health issues, reduce social isolation, obtain HIV prevention information, learn about HIV services, and engage in HIV advocacy. Participants report feeling happier, healthier, less stressed, more socially engaged, and more aware of and sensitive about HIV/AIDS due to their involvement with YFL. Findings from this study contribute important information about the uptake of complementary therapies and impact of the program on the health and wellbeing of the study population. Further, this study provides evidence about the challenges, unmet needs, and growing community response to HIV/AIDS in Manila, Philippines.