Effectiveness of a synchronous online, group health and wellness program for people who work with youths and adults with intellectual disabilities

ABSTRACT

Background. A health promotion program was designed and implemented for people who work with youths and adults with intellectual disabilities. The objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of a synchronous online group health promotion program and to promote worker well-being. Method. It is an investigation with a quantitative, descriptive and interactive approach, with a quasi-experimental design, pre- and posttest for paired samples. Instruments General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 12), Pemberton Happiness Index, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and an ad hoc sociodemographic form. The intervention program carried out, "Well-being and health", consists of 8 group synchronous online sessions (on Google meet), with a weekly frequency, lasting 120 minutes. Results. Participation was voluntary and all signed an informed consent. A total of 35 workers with an average age of 31.11 years participated. After the intervention, there was an increase in personal well-being and personal fulfillment at work, and a reduction in the level of psychological discomfort, anxiety, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Statistically significant differences were observed in the scores pre- and posttest of psychological distress and emotional exhaustion. Conclusion. The results allow us to conclude that participating in a synchronous online group health promotion program was effective to increase the well-being and health of workers.