(P02-015-25) Identification of Intervention Strategies to Improve the Diet and Health of New York Early Childhood Educators: A Mixed Methods Study

Objectives: To identify potential intervention strategies to improve the diet and health of Early Childhood Education (ECE) educators in New York State (NYS) by examining barriers and facilitators to health behaviors through the synthesis of mixed methods findings.

Methods: The StayWell ECE study employed a sequential, exploratory mixed methods design (quan àQUAL). It consisted of 2 sets of surveys and semi-structured interviews examining health behaviors and social support and strain, respectively, followed by a photovoice component. Surveys were distributed electronically to NYS licensed ECE educators via REDCap. Interviews were conducted virtually via Zoom. Key findings from each methodology were summarized, synthesized across methodologies, and placed into levels of the social ecological model (SEM). Intervention strategies were derived for each SEM level.

Results: In the full sample (n=1,423), 98% of participants were women, 44% were low-income, 71% had overweight/obesity, and 44% had depression. Participants reported poor diet, physical activity (PA), and sleep behaviors, yet most (5 out of 6) were motivated to change. Health goals focused on weight loss and improving diet, PA, and work-life balance. Job-related stressors (staff shortages and long hours) combined with limited resources to address health behaviors were deemed barriers. Social support was low and social strain was high amongst participants, and both were significantly associated diet, stress, and weight status. Enhancing social support amongst peers and from supervisors was desired. Thirty intervention strategies were identified – 12 addressing the work environment, 8 focusing on social connections, and 9 on individual, self-care factors.

Conclusions: The ECE environment is an ideal setting to address national priorities aimed at improving women’s health and health inequities. Multilevel behavioral and policy interventions tailored to the needs of ECE educators and the uniqueness of their workplace are needed. Garnering input on the importance and feasibility of each of the identified intervention strategies will aid in prioritizing future efforts to address the health of the ECE workforce.

Funding Sources: USDA-NIFA NYC-199404; NICHD 2T32HD087137-06; Cornell Center for Health Equity