Abstract

Head Start (HS) teachers are an “at-risk” population for increased health related concerns. Previous research supports that most HS teachers have low-income, high-stress jobs, and have negative health-related behaviors in comparison to groups with similar demographics. The aim of this study was to improve health and wellness outcomes in a sample of 178 “at-risk” HS teachers and support staff. A ten-month program was developed that was composed of health education, health promotion and disease prevention, and utilization of behavioral-change technologies (iPhone Apps) directed at health habit improvements. Utilizing a pretest/post-test design, results suggested an increase in more positive attitudes toward a “culture of wellness” as rated by the teachers (chi square = 82.0002, df = 1, p<0.001). Overall, 88 percent of participants reported making health lifestyle choices. For example, among the numerous behavioral changes reported, 72 percent of teachers reported using health app technology for the first time as a result of participation in the program. This study is Phase I of a multi-year behaviorally based intervention program designed to target HS employee well-being.