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Jason Courtney, BA1, Michelle Bush, BS2, Lenora Cannegieter, BS2, Myrna Dial, BS, RN2, Hanna Saunders, BS, RN2, R. Patti Herring, PhD, RN1, Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH2, Heather Diaz, MPH3, and Julie Pham, BS3. (1) Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (2) Dept. of Health Promotion & Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-558-8729, Mbush7@hotmail.com, (3) Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350
Literature indicates a lack of worksite wellness programs for faculty and staff at colleges and universities in the US. Similarly, in San Bernardino County, CA, no such programs are available. Teacher stress is associated with illnesses, i.e., ulcers, heart disease, anxiety, nervous tension, depression, and exhaustion. Faculty and staff at health science institutions are expected to possess awareness and knowledge of benefits of a balanced lifestyle. While helping students acquire such expertise, they often forgo their own involvement in wellness activities. In a needs assessment process, staff and faculty expressed challenges and opinions regarding personal health and wellness, and their potential willingness to participate in worksite wellness programs. In addition to ethnographic observations, 15 key informant interviews and two focus groups were conducted (identified through theoretical sampling). Using grounded theory methods, the resulting transcripts were coded and themed for emerging response patterns. Results indicate a strong need for wellness programs, which would increase productivity, improve stress management, cohesiveness and team spirit, and opportunities for role modeling healthy lifestyle to students. The identified barriers were lack of time, work overload, lack of healthy food choices in the School vending areas, and lack of administrative support. Suggested components of future programs included exercise classes, nutritional seminars, opportunities for mediation and massage therapy, spiritual wellness activities, and an interactive website for information and tips on wellness. Accordingly, a pilot program is being developed, implemented and process and impact evaluations conducted. Results will be analyzed for program sustainability and improvement.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.