Hairdressers4Health
Background
Many health conditions are preventable if risk factors are identified early. Australian women have a high burden of modifiable risk factors including 60 percent being overweight or obese, and 20 percent having uncontrolled high blood pressure. Unfortunately there are many barriers that prevent women from visiting a health care professional and discussing their health. Hairdressers are one of the most common paid services used by Australian women, so hair salons present an opportunity to reach a large proportion of women. There is a clear need for novel approaches to engaging women on health issues, potentially including those that extend beyond traditional health care settings.
Aim
This study aims to understand the potential value of promoting women’s health outside traditional health care settings among female attendees at NSW hairdressing salons.
Design
The Hairdressers for Health study is a double-blind cluster-randomised controlled trial with a mixed-methods process evaluation.
Methods
In this study, 3240 participants will be enrolled at 120 hair salons across NSW and receive women’s health information. Groups will receive a light touch, “nudge” intervention focused on encouraging women to engage in their health and have the health assessments appropriate for them.
Status
The study has commenced it’s pilot phase with recruitment commencing for the broader study in the later half of 2022.
Funding
The study is supported by seed funding from an NHMRC Program Grant, NSW Health grant and a generous philanthropic donation from the Estate of Faye Williams.
