Teachers' Health Compared to Non-Teachers
Author Information
Author(s): Kovess-Masféty Viviane, Sevilla-Dedieu Christine, Rios-Seidel Carmen, Nerrière Eléna, Chan Chee Christine
Primary Institution: MGEN Foundation for Public Health
Hypothesis
Do teachers have more health problems than non-teachers?
Conclusion
Teachers do not seem to have poorer mental health, but they have a higher prevalence of certain physical health problems.
Supporting Evidence
- Teachers reported a higher lifetime prevalence of rhinopharyngitis/laryngitis.
- Male teachers had a higher risk of lifetime anxiety disorders.
- Female teachers showed higher prevalence of bronchitis, eczema/dermatitis, and varicose veins.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether teachers are less healthy than other workers. It found that teachers are not more likely to have mental health issues, but they do have more physical health problems.
Methodology
A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted among 3,679 teachers and 1,817 non-teachers aged 20 to 60 years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from self-reporting and the selection of controls from a population that may include former teachers.
Limitations
Health problems were self-reported, which may lead to inaccuracies; potential selection bias in control group; and not all occupational risk factors were considered.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 3,679 teachers and 1,817 non-teachers, primarily middle-class civil servants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website