The effect of yoga on the level of burnout and happiness in midwifery students: randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: Given the demanding nature of midwifery education, it is important to examine whether yoga can positively influence students' burnout and happiness levels. This study aimed to examine the levels of burnout and happiness among midwifery students who practice yoga and those who do not. METHODS: The research was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design. A total of 74 s-year students from the Midwifery Department at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, who met the eligibility criteria, were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 35) and control (n = 37) groups. The experimental group participated in a yoga program consisting of 18 sessions over six weeks, with three sessions per week. Data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Scale (MBI-SS) and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire short form-OHQ-SF. Parametric tests, correlation, and logistic regression methods were used for analysis. RESULTS: Students practicing yoga had significantly lower scores in "Exhaustion" and "Cynicism", and significantly higher scores in "Efficacy" and "Happiness" (p < 0.001). Yoga practice was found to significantly predict happiness levels (p = 0.001), while no direct effect on burnout levels was determined. CONCLUSION: Yoga practice increases happiness levels among midwifery students. It is recommended to integrate mindfulness-based practices such as yoga into educational programs to help students cope with academic and professional stress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT07321132. Registered on 05 January 2026. Retrospectively registered.