Publication Date

2022

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Muzaffar, Henna

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions

Abstract

According to American Psychological Association Work and Well-being Survey of 1,501 U.S. adult workers, 79% of employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress, including lack of interest (26%) and effort (19%) at work. Workplace wellness programs offer a means to alleviate stress among employees. The research explored the perceived acceptability and efficacy of a virtual versus hybrid wellness program and some specific health outcomes, total cholesterol, BP, and BMI, perceived well-being and stress among faculty and staff at a northeastern university. Participants (n=61) included women (77%), 30-50 years of age (67.7%), and staff (30%) vs. faculty (70%) enrolled in the study. Participants were randomized to virtual (V) (n=32) and hybrid (H) (n=29) wellness intervention groups. Upon consent, participants completed cholesterol, blood pressure (BP), and weight screening, and pre-test questionnaires (WHO-5 wellness, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Global Physical Activity Scale, and Mindful Eating Questionnaire.) The 6-week intervention included 30-minute sessions on wellness, nutrition, exercise, yoga, sleep, and positive thinking. Following the intervention, participants V (n=16) and H (n=12) completed post-tests: cholesterol, BP, weight screening, WHO-5 and PSS. The PI also explored program acceptability and during focus groups. The quantitative data analysis included independent t tests and an ANOVA. There was no significant change from pretest to posttest for cholesterol, BP, weight, WHO- 5, and PSS between virtual vs hybrid groups. The qualitative discussion revealed common obstacles for program participation including time, illness, work, and family; common reasons for program participation including health concerns, stress reduction, and quality of life. In general, the virtual group respondents held more positive experiences with the intervention than the hybrid group participants. Several participants tested COVID positive; they were unable to complete the study.

Extent

248 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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