Healthy Hair Starts With a Healthy Body: Hair Stylists as Lay Health Advisors to Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Krein Sarah L, Madigan Mary E, Smith-Wheelock Linda
Primary Institution: National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
Hypothesis
Can hair stylists effectively promote healthy behaviors to prevent chronic kidney disease among African Americans?
Conclusion
The Healthy Hair program effectively prompted nearly 60% of clients to take steps towards preventing diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Nearly 700 stylists were trained and reached over 14,000 clients.
- 46% of clients who planned to eat healthier reported increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
- 91% of clients who planned to exercise regularly continued to do so at least 3 days per week.
Takeaway
Hair stylists can help people stay healthy by talking to them about their health while they get their hair done.
Methodology
The program trained hair stylists to educate clients about health risks and motivate them to adopt healthier behaviors through health chats and risk assessments.
Potential Biases
Potential for deception by stylists due to financial incentives.
Limitations
Some stylists did not complete the campaign, and self-reported data may overstate the effectiveness of the intervention.
Participant Demographics
{"sex":{"female":73,"male":27},"age":{"18-30":28,"31-45":34,"46-60":26,">60":11},"health_insurance":87}
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