Enhancing wellness by therapeutic lifestyle change

Does cost determine program commitment?

  • Shveta Sanghani Loma Linda University, Dept. of Health Promotion and Education
  • Alexis Deavenport Loma Linda University, Dept. of Health Promotion and Education
  • Patti Herring Loma Linda University, Dept. of Health Promotion and Education
  • S. Eric Anderson Loma Linda University, Dept. of Health Policy and Management
  • Ernie Medina Beaver Medical Group
  • Sanam Kazemi Loma Linda University, Dept. of Health Promotion and Education

Abstract

Wellness programs based on therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) interventions have recently demonstrated potential in combating stress and anxiety disorders. Despite this trend, a limited evidence-base exists on whether charging a fee for such programs impacts participant behavior by increasing attendance and retention. This pilot study therefore determined if attendance rate differed for a fee-based program as opposed to a free program amongst a heterogeneous group of participants who had previously experienced significant benefits from an identical stress reduction program. The design was a quasiexperimental, non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest. Data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test. Our preliminary findings demonstrated that participants in the fee-based group had a significantly higher mean of program attendance than those in the free attendance group. Charging fees for wellness programs may be a promising behavior change strategy, increasing attendance and participation, and maximizing program benefits. Nevertheless, more in-depth research is needed to examine participant attitudes toward paid versus free programs.
Published
2010-12-01
How to Cite
Sanghani, S., Deavenport, A., Herring, P., Anderson, S. E., Medina, E., & Kazemi, S. (2010). Enhancing wellness by therapeutic lifestyle change: Does cost determine program commitment?. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 8(1), 40-45. https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v8i1.2029

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