Engagement in Mindfulness Practices by U.S. Adults: Sociodemographic Barriers

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of sociodemographic factors on mindfulness practices. METHODS: National Health Interview Survey Alternative Medicine Supplement data were used to examine sociodemographic predictors of engagement in meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong. RESULTS: Greater education was associated with mindfulness practices (odds ratio [OR], 4.02 [95% confidence interval [CI], 3.50-4.61]), men were half as likely as women to engage in any practice, and lower engagement was found among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. CONCLUSION: Vulnerable population groups with worse health outcomes were less likely to engage in mindfulness practices.