(P16-012-25) HEART at Head Start: Remote Delivery of a Self-Paced Wellness Program for Teachers

Objectives: Enhancements to the federal Head Start (HS) Performance Standards promote supportive work environments with access to wellness programs for HS educators. However, evidence-based wellness programs tested within HS are limited. The Healthy Eating Activity Relaxation Trial (HEART) at Head Start randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a self-paced workplace wellness program (WWP) for HS educators delivered remotely via a Health and Wellness App, supplemented by guides trained in motivational interviewing.

Methods: The study was conducted at 12 Head Start centers in the greater Boston area from December 2023 to November 2024.  48 recruited participants attended baseline and 6-month health fairs, completing surveys, 24-hour dietary recalls, and biometric assessments.  After the baseline health fair, 27 teachers from centers randomized to the intervention received six months of free access to an app and motivational support from guides. Teachers at the control centers (n=20) gained access after six months. App usage data and guide interactions were recorded and analyzed. Descriptive and difference in difference (DID) analyses assessed participation levels; dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors; and biometrics including BMI, blood pressure, lipids, and serum glucose, after six months.

Results: During the intervention, 42% of teachers both used the app and participated in guide calls, 16% attended guide calls only, and 6% used the app only. Teachers reported positive impacts on health and wellbeing from app use (89%) and guide interactions (80%). DID analysis revealed that teachers in the intervention group experienced significantly greater improvements in dietary behavior score compared to the control group (mean change: 1.8 vs. -0.07, p< 0.05). No significant differences were observed for other measures.

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that a self-paced WWP delivered via an app and supported by motivational interviewing is a feasible and effective strategy for improving some aspects of health and wellness among Head Start educators. Further research is needed to explore the scalability of this approach across Head Start centers.

Funding Sources: USDA NIFA project #MASV 10215