"I'm 100% for it! I'm a convert!" Women's experiences of a yoga programme during treatment for gynaecological cancer; an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Objectives To explore patients’ experiences of taking part in a yoga intervention while undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancer. Design Sixteen women (age range 31–79 years; mean age 60) participated in focus groups based on a semi-structured question schedule. Resulting discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Setting Royal Derby Hospital, UK. Interventions Patients took part in a 10-week course of Hatha yoga, where they participated in a one hour long class per week. Results Three themes emerged from the data: applying breathing techniques, engaging in the physicality of yoga and finding a community. The first theme was particularly important to the patients as they noted the breadth and applicability of the techniques in their day-to-day lives. The latter two themes reflect physical and social perspectives, which are established topics in the cancer and yoga literature and are contextualised here within the women's experiences of cancer treatment. Conclusions The women's perceptions of the programme were generally positive, providing a previously unseen view of the patient experience of participating in a yoga intervention. The difference between the women's prior expectations and lived experiences is discussed.