The prevalence and correlates of severe depression in a cohort of Mexican teachers

Depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and associated factors among adults, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

The results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.

Interrelationships between dissatisfaction with teaching work and depressive symptoms: Structural equation modelling

The objective of this article is to evaluate the interrelationships of factors associated with depressive symptoms (DS) in teachers, considering dissatisfaction with the teaching job as a possible mediator. This was a cross-sectional study using data from 700 teachers from the public school system of a Brazilian municipality. The outcome of interest was DS, as assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Direct and indirect interrelationships between the outcome and dissatisfaction with work, age, income, lifestyle and adiposity were tested. These variables composed the operational model tested by structural equation modelling. Older age (β=0.12) and greater dissatisfaction with work (β=0.12) were directly associated with DS. A more favourable lifestyle (β=-0.60) and adiposity (β=-0.10) were associated with a lower occurrence of DS. The variables lifestyle (β=-0.06) and adiposity (β=-0.02) also had negative indirect effects on DS, mediated by job dissatisfaction. The structural equation model tested identified interrelationships that influenced DS. Dissatisfaction with teaching work was associated with DS and mediated the relationship of other factors with such symptoms.

A Scoping Study of Insomnia Symptoms in School Teachers

OBJECTIVES

Although the demands and stress of teaching are generally recognized, little is known about the prevalence and nature of insomnia symptoms in teachers. This scoping study investigated the following questions: How prevalent are insomnia symptoms in teachers? What biopsychosocial variables are associated with insomnia symptoms in teachers? What, if any, interventions for insomnia symptoms in teachers have been studied?

METHOD

We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Education Source, and ERIC for original peer-reviewed research on school teachers (kindergarten through high school) and insomnia symptoms (self-reported trouble falling or staying asleep).

RESULTS

We identified 33 relevant articles from 15 countries. The literature was heterogeneous and generally of low quality with respect to the measurement of insomnia. Based on studies that met validity and reliability criteria, 36-61% of teachers reported insomnia symptoms. Associated factors included: being female, classroom violence, low job satisfaction, pain, depression, and rumination. One online intervention, which included stimulus control, sleep restriction, and techniques for reducing rumination, provided evidence of efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Despite the importance of teachers and their work, high-quality research on insomnia in teachers is lacking. Research in this area is sorely needed. Studies should investigate insomnia symptoms over the school year, identify antecedents of insomnia, and develop interventions with the ultimate goals of understanding, preventing, and treating insomnia symptoms in teachers.

The Prevalence of Depression and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Government Primary School Teachers in Dammam, Khobar, and Qatif (2019-2021): A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

In Saudi Arabia, 34% of Saudis have been diagnosed with a mental health illness at some point in their lives, with depression making up to 6% of the population. Teachers' mental health is a major problem across the world and has an impact on their students. This study is an attempt to investigate the prevalence of depression and its severity and associated sociodemographic and occupational risk factors among government primary school teachers in Dammam, Khobar, and Qatif.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. The research tool used to conduct this study is an electronically administered Arabic-language questionnaire distributed randomly to all government primary school teachers in Dammam, Khobar, and Qatif. The numbers of participating teachers are 358,242 males and 116 females.

RESULTS

By using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) scale, it was found that 36.6% suffer from mild depression, 30.4% suffer from moderate to moderately severe depression, and 11.2% suffer from severe depression. The obtained results indicated that there is an association between the variable of the prevalence of depression and some sociodemographic factors such as physical or psychosocial abuse, and the occupational characteristic variables such as teaching more than three or more subjects and bad relationship with the school administration.

CONCLUSION

More studies are needed to address the mental health issues among school teachers in Saudi Arabia.

Stress, Burnout, Anxiety and Depression among Teachers: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, stress and burnout continue to be a problem among teachers, leading to anxiety and depression. Burnout may adversely affect teachers' health and is a risk factor for poor physical and mental well-being. Determining the prevalence and correlates of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression among teachers is essential for addressing this public health concern.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent of the current literature on the prevalence and correlates of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression among teachers.

METHOD

This scoping review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Relevant search terms were used to determine the prevalence and correlates of teachers' stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Articles were identified using MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Data Base), APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Scopus Elsevier and ERIC (Education Resources Information Center). The articles were extracted, reviewed, collated, and thematically analyzed, and the results were summarized and reported.

RESULTS

When only clinically meaningful (moderate to severe) psychological conditions among teachers were considered, the prevalence of burnout ranged from 25.12% to 74%, stress ranged from 8.3% to 87.1%, anxiety ranged from 38% to 41.2% and depression ranged from 4% to 77%. The correlates of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression identified in this review include socio-demographic factors such as sex, age, marital status, and school (organizational) and work-related factors including the years of teaching, class size, job satisfaction, and the subject taught.

CONCLUSION

Teaching is challenging and yet one of the most rewarding professions, but several factors correlate with stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression among teachers. Highlighting these factors is the first step in recognizing the magnitude of the issues encountered by those in the teaching profession. Implementation of a school-based awareness and intervention program is crucial to resolve the early signs of teacher stress and burnout to avoid future deterioration.

Depressive symptoms and associated factor among public school teachers in Jimma town, Southwest, Ethiopia 2020: a multi-disciplinary, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common mental disorder and the leading cause of disability globally. Depression has a significant impact on the quality of life, cognition, emotion, and daily functioning and leads individuals to 39% of suicide globally. Previous studies reported that the magnitude of depression is higher among teachers than in the general population. However, little is known in the case of Ethiopia. Therefore this study aimed to assess the magnitude of depressive symptoms and associated factors among public school teachers in Jimma town.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study using was conducted a multistage random sampling technique. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress 21 items scale. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA V 14.2. Variables with p < 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression analysis were entered into a multivariable binary logistic regression to identify predictors. A statistically significant association was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

RESULT

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in this study was found to be 44.7% (95% CI: 40-49.3). Moderate and severe level of occupational stress (AOR; 2.63 CI; 1.32, 5.28 and AOR; 4.15 CI; 1.83, 9.45) respectively, having stress, (AOR; 2.40 CI; 1.48, 3.90), having Anxiety symptoms (AOR; 4.43 CI; 2.79, 7.06) and consumption of alcohol (AOR; 2.21 CI; 1.11, 4.37) were identified as a significant predictor for depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The study revealed that there is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among participants. Moderate and severe levels of occupational stress, having stress, having anxiety, and consumption of alcohol were factors that are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Therefore, giving awareness and routine screening of depressive symptoms among teachers is crucial in early detection and management.

Resiliency and mental health of school teachers in Okinawa

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the mental health issues among teachers globally and to investigate the significant factors that specifically impact the mental health of school teachers in Okinawa, Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study examined depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem and resiliency among 174 teachers from seven schools in Okinawa, Japan. The study questionnaire consisted of four parts, including demographic data, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS-42), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), and Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale (CD-RISC). Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of mental health variables.

Findings

Of the 174 teachers, 111 were females (64%) and 60 were males (35%). Average age of participants was 41.65 (SD = 10.07). Average number of years being a teacher was 15.50 (SD = 9.88). There was a significant gender difference in the level of self-esteem. Significant differences in anxiety were found among varying grade levels taught. Regression analyses indicated that resiliency and self-esteem significantly predicted depression, anxiety and stress among school teachers in Okinawa.

Originality/value

This is the first study among school teachers in Okinawa that examined the impact of resiliency and self-esteem on their mental health. To reduce psychological distress common within the teaching profession, social and environmental support should be provided within the school to better foster the successful promotion of teacher resiliency and self-esteem.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression symptoms among Chinese seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

To curb the spread of COVID-19, most countries have adopted measures such as banning shore leave at ports and placed restrictions on crew change. Seafarers may bear an excess pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression symptoms among Chinese seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This field survey-based study was conducted at Rongcheng Port, Shandong Province, China, from 10 June 2020 to 25 July 2020. Sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and health-related behaviours were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire. The Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to evaluate depression status during the preceding week. Logistic regression models were used to explore factors related to depression.

RESULTS

441 male Chinese seafarers were enrolled. Overall, the proportions of seafarers with low, moderate and severe depression symptoms were 23.35%, 9.30% and 9.07%, respectively. Compared with those with good self-rated health (SRH), seafarers with poor SRH had higher odds of depression (OR, 2.24, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.11). Less leisure time or physical exercise was associated with more severe self-reported depression symptoms (1-3 per week vs ≥4 per week: OR, 1.72, 95% CI 0.71 to 4.14; none vs ≥4 per week: OR, 3.93, 95% CI 1.67 to 9.26). Poor sleep quality was associated with higher likelihood of reporting severe depression (fair vs good: OR, 2.78, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.01; poor vs good: OR, 4.30, 95% CI 1.65 to 11.24). The more frequent seafarers worked overtime a week, the higher the likelihood of reporting severe depression symptoms (1-2 per week vs none: OR, 1.82, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.18; ≥3 per week vs none: OR, 2.49, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.92). Also, high perceived work stress was linked to higher odds of being depressed (intermediate vs low: OR, 2.06, 95% CI 0.78 to 5.46; high vs low: OR, 3.83, 95% CI 1.35 to 10.90).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high burden of depression associated with COVID-19 among seafarers. Special interventions that protect the mental health of seafarers are more critical than ever in the context of the pandemic.

Mental health and burnout among teachers in Thailand

Purpose

This study investigated factors that impacted the mental health and burnout among kindergarten, primary and secondary school teachers in Thailand and presented a comprehensive intervention program to improve their wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional survey study included 267 teachers from five public schools in Thailand. The survey instruments included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators Survey, along with data on demographics, health behaviors, finances, professional work, relationships and resilience.

Findings

For teacher mental health, results indicated that family economics status, relationship quality and resilience were significant predictors of depression (R2 = 0.19); family economics status, classroom size and resilience significantly predicted anxiety (R2 = 0.13); family economics status, gender, sleep and resilience significantly predicted stress (R2 = 0.20). For teacher burnout, relationship quality and age were significant predictors of emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.15); relationship quality and drinking significantly predicted depersonalization (R2 = 0.06); resilience and number of teaching hours significantly predicted personal accomplishment (R2 = 0.28).

Originality/value

Besides providing an in-depth examination of mental health and burnout among teachers, this is the first study in Thailand to propose a comprehensive Teacher Wellness Program. This program recommends personal and professional development plans that public health personnel and school administrators could utilize to improve mental health and reduce burnout among teachers.

Prevalência e fatores associados aos sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse em professores universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos sintomas da depressão, ansiedade e estresse em professores universitários da área da saúde no período da pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo analítico, de caráter transversal e abordagem quantitativa com 150 professores universitários da área da saúde. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: um formulário de coleta de dados sociodemográficos, econômicos e trabalhistas. A saúde mental foi avaliada pela Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse-21 (DASS-21). A associação entre as variáveis estudadas e a prevalência de sintomas da depressão, ansiedade e estresse foi verificada por análise bivariada seguida de regressão de Poisson, com variância robusta. Resultados: A amostra final foi composta por 150 indivíduos, sendo a média de idade de 41,4 ± 7,9 anos, e a maioria da amostra investigada é do sexo feminino (74%). Entre os professores, 50% apresentaram sintomas de depressão, 37,4% relataram sintomas de ansiedade e 47,2% apresentaram sintomas de estresse. Após análise múltipla, observou-se que os sintomas da depressão estiveram associados à variável trabalhar em mais de uma instituição de ensino superior. As variáveis que se mostraram associadas à ansiedade foram: faixa etária ≥ 40 anos e pessoas sem companheiro fixo. Já o estresse se mostrou associado à variável estado civil sem companheiro fixo. Conclusão: A prevalência de sintomas da depressão, ansiedade e estresse em professores universitários da área da saúde foi elevada, e fatores sociodemográficos e trabalhistas se mantiveram associados aos desfechos investigados.

The Prevalence and Correlative Factors of Depression Among Chinese Teachers During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Background: Epidemiological data on outbreak-associated depression of Chinese teachers are not available. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depression among teachers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in mainland China. Methods: A large cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25 (CD-RISC 25) and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) were used to measure the mental resilience and stress of participants. The correlative factors of depression were analyzed. Results: In this study, 1,096 teachers were analyzed with a median (range) age of 41 (20-65) years. Of them, 624 (56.9%) suffered from depression (PHQ-9 total score of >4). The multivariate analyses showed that participants with aged ≥41 years (OR = 0.752, 95% CI:0.578-0.979, p = 0.034), participating in epidemic prevention and control (OR = 1.413, 95% CI:1.070-1.867, p = 0.015), thinking prolonged school closure have bad effect (OR = 1.385, 95% CI:1.017-1.885, p = 0.038), sleep duration/day of <6 h (OR = 1.814, 95% CI:1.240-2.655, p < 0.001), physical exercise duration/day of <30 min (OR = 1.619, 95% CI:1.247-2.103, p < 0.001), spending less time with family (OR = 1.729, 95% CI: 1.063-2.655, p = 0.002), being concerned about COVID-19 (OR = 0.609, 95% CI:0.434-0.856, p = 0.004), having poor mental resilience (OR = 6.570, 95% CI:3.533-12.22, p < 0.001) and higher PSS-10 scores (OR = 9.058, 95% CI:3.817-21.50, p < 0.001) were independently associated with depression. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 outbreak, depression was common among teachers. Age, participating in epidemic prevention and control, opinions toward distant teaching and prolonged school closure, sleep duration/day, physical exercise duration, spending time with family, attitude toward COVID-19, mental resilience and stress represented the independent factors for suffering from depression.

The Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II With Middle School Teachers

As previous researchers have found, like other parts of the world, depression is prevalent among middle school teachers in China. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) has been widely used to detect depression among workers in different careers all over the world and has shown good scale properties but inconsistent factor structures. To examine the psychometric properties of the BDI-II among middle school teachers, a nationally representative sample of 4,672 valid cases from 688 middle schools were included. We first generated a new bifactor model based on exploratory factor analysis and agglomerate cluster analysis of the residual item correlations and then validated the modes and examined measurement invariance across gender and school location with multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results indicated that (1) a new bifactor model with a general factor and two group factors (cognitive-affective group factor and somatic group factor) fitted well to the data [WLSMV χ² = 745.651, df = 173, P < 0.001, CFI = 0.983, TLI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.037; 90% CI (0.035, 0.040)]; Omega values for the three factors varied from 0.88 to 0.92; (2) measurement invariance tests indicated that the BDI-II could equally measure depression of middle school teachers across gender and school location groups. All the findings suggest that the BDI-II is a self-report inventory with good psychometric properties for measuring depression among middle school teachers in China.