Influence of a yogic lifestyle on COVID-19 vaccine refusal among yoga practitioners in Germany: A cross-sectional analysis

Background : The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has tested society’s vaccine acceptance, particularly among health-conscious yoga practitioners. However, data on vaccine hesitancy in this group are limited. Methods : To address this gap, we surveyed 1,545 yoga practitioners to assess the impact of vaccine refusal within the context of their yogic lifestyle using quantitative methods. Results: Surprisingly, 28% of respondents refused vaccination. Age, frequency of yoga practice, and frequency of studying the philosophical background showed no significant influence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. By contrast, the frequency of meditation, adherence to a strict vegetarian diet, individual importance of yoga, quality of life, and adherence to yoga ethics (yamas and niyamas) significantly influenced vaccine refusal. Sex had only a marginal effect. Practitioners who prioritized yoga as a spiritual path, adhered to strict vegetarianism, engaged in daily meditation, and maintained strong yoga ethics were more likely to refuse vaccination. Conclusion : These findings provide insights into how a specific lifestyle may influence health behaviors, values, and decision-making processes in minority groups with specific health convictions. Trial Registration: This study was retrospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (https://www.drks.de) (DRKS00034607).