Be Well at Work-Plus: Engaging low-wage workers in the design and implementation of a depression and physical activity intervention - Administrative Supplement

San Diego State University, San Diego CA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Be Well at Work-Plus: Engaging low-wage workers in the design and implementation of a depression and physical activity intervention (PI: McCurley) Brief Summary Depression and physical inactivity are leading contributors to cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Low-wage workers, who comprise one-third of all workers in the U.S. and are essential to many industries, are more likely to be physically inactive and to have cardiometabolic conditions and depression, yet they are half as likely as higher wage workers to utilize preventive care. Targeted workplace initiatives have been successful in improving employee health, but low-wage workers are difficult to engage, in part due to a high burden of social disadvantage (e.g., food and housing insecurity, time and financial constraints). This K23 study is adapting an evidence-based 8-session telephone- delivered depression intervention for working adults, Be Well at Work, and adding critical enhancements for low-wage workers: assessment and referrals for social determinants of health (e.g., food and housing insecurity, financial stress), physical activity promotion, and personalized text message behavioral support. The adapted intervention, Be Well at Work- PLUS, will be tested in two phases: (1) a single-arm pilot (N=10) with exit interviews to refine the intervention content and delivery (Aim 2); (3) a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing Be Well at Work-PLUS to a waitlist condition (N=60; Aim 3). This iterative process will yield results on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of Be Well at Work-PLUS and provide data to apply for an R01 efficacy trial. This Life Event that pertains to this supplement application is the birth of my second child in 2024 and my resulting parental leave. In addition to my 12-week parental leave, I experienced reductions in productivity in 2024 due to (1) adjustment to caring for two young children (I also have a 4-year-old); (2) frequent absences from work due to child illnesses contracted in child care; and (3) time dedicated to breastfeeding and pumping to feed my infant. This supplemental funding will provide critical, time-sensitive staff support to ensure that my K23 study is completed during the planned timeline. The supplement will fund effort for a postdoctoral fellow (a clinical psychologist) to help deliver the study intervention and additional effort from a research coordinator to complete study coordination tasks. This support will allow me to dedicate more time to manuscript and grant writing so that I meet my goal of submitting R-level awards using pilot data from this study.