title: Mental Health of Elementary Schoolteachers in Southern Brazil: Working Conditions and Health Consequences.
abstract: The mental health of educators is a growing problem in many countries. This study sought to identify self-reported stressful working conditions of elementary schoolteachers and the biopsychosocial consequences of those working conditions and then identify working conditions that promote well-being for teachers in the workplace. Exploratory study was done with 37 teachers. Data collection was performed using a structured interview with a questionnaire. Results show that stressful working conditions are related to inadequate salary, an excessive number of activities, and having to take work home. Biopsychosocial consequences include anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders. There was a statistically significant association between inadequate salary and anxiety (p = 0.01) and between an excessive number of activities and stress (p = 0.01). Teachers reported that a good relationship among colleagues is a working condition that promotes well-being in the workplace. The identification of stressful working conditions for teachers, the biopsychosocial consequences, and working conditions that promote well-being in the workplace are relevant to determining actions that improve the work environment and, consequently, the health of teachers.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Federal University of Rio Grande, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marta Regina
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Cezar-Vaz
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Federal University of Rio Grande, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil ; Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Clarice Alves
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bonow
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Federal University of Rio Grande, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marlise Capa Verde
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: de Almeida
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Federal University of Rio Grande, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Laurelize Pereira
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Federal University of Rio Grande, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Anelise Miritz
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Borges
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001938:Brazil; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D012574:Schools; D057566:Self Report; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology