e11511 Background: Adherence plays an important role in success of mind body interventions such as yoga. In this study we evaluated the effects of adherence to yoga intervention on psychological and quality of life outcomes. Methods: Adherence to yoga program was assessed in a randomized controlled trial comparing yoga (n=45) vs. supportive therapy in breast cancer patients with stage II and III disease undergoing primary surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Subjects were assessed for self reported symptoms and affective states using symptom checklist, Spielberger’s State Trait Anxiety, Becks Depression Inventory and Functional Living Index in cancer for Quality of life following surgery and during radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Adherence was categorized based on number of sessions of yoga practiced at home per week [regular (>5 sessions), not so regular (3-5 sessions), occasionally (upto 2 sessions)].Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the variance in the above outcomes explained by independent prognostic variables (age group, clinical stage of cancer, type of surgery, respective baseline psychological outcomes and regularity of practice) in yoga group alone. Model B includes these four variables plus regularity of practice. Results: Regularity of practice emerged as a secondary predictor for symptom severity following surgery (β= 0.38, p=0.007) and primary predictor for depression (β= 0.37, p=0.05) and severity of symptoms (β= 0.42, p=0.04) during radiotherapy and depression(β= 0.35, p=0.05), severity of symptoms (β= 0.45, p=0.03), anxiety trait(β= 0.40, p=0.03) and quality of life (β= -0.61, p=0.001) during chemotherapy. Conclusions: Adherence to mind body interventions such as yoga improves psychological and quality of life outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatment.
Surgery and health-related quality of life – A prospective follow up study on breast cancer patients in Finland
