Psychological distress, burnout, and coping strategies among Nigerian primary school teachers: a school-based cross-sectional study.

Journal: BMC public health

Volume: 21

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2022

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, , Nigeria. Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, , Nigeria. amaka.ononuju@unn.edu.ng. Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, Nassarawa State, Nigeria. Faculty of Nursing, Niger-Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Abstract summary 

The teaching profession is highly stressed job. A high level of stress is associated with poor health outcomes, such as burnout and psychological distress. Therefore, teachers' use of coping styles becomes imperative. However, relatively little is known about primary school teachers' psychological distress, burnout, coping strategies, and associated factors in Nigeria. The study investigated psychological distress, burnout, coping strategies among primary schools, and associated factors in Nigeria.A total of 264 teachers aged 20-59 years participated in the study between May 2019 to October 2019. Questionnaires on psychological distress, burnout, coping strategies, and demographic profile form were used for data collection. Factors associated with psychological distress, burnout, and coping strategies were identified using t-test, univariate ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, Chi-square test, and hierarchical linear regression analysis.Of 264 participants enrolled for the study, 253 responded, giving a response rate of 95.8%. The prevalence of psychological distress and burnout was 69.9% (176/253) and 36.0% (91/253), respectively. Sex (β = 0.158), a high level of emotional exhaustion (β = 0.193) and reduced personal accomplishment (β = 0.358), adoption of problem-focused strategies (β = 0.904), and dysfunctional strategies (β = 0.340) were positively associated with psychological distress. Age (β = - 0.338), academic qualification (β = - 0.210), and income level (β = - 0.146) were inversely associated with psychological distress, which together explained 51.5% of the total variance. Psychological distress (β = 0.275 vs. β = 0.404) was significantly associated with emotional exhaustion (EE) and reduced personal accomplishment (PA) and explained 11.4 and 24.2% of the variance in EE and reduced PA, respectively.The high prevalence of psychological distress and burnout among teachers should receive urgent attention. Teachers' training curricula should include developing interpersonal skills, stress management abilities, and resilience to equip them for the job. Also, teacher training curricula should integrate mental health promotion interventions.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ozoemena Eyuche Lawretta EL Agbaje Olaoluwa Samson OS Ogundu Levi L Ononuju Amaka Harry AH Umoke Prince Christian Iheanachor PCI Iweama Cylia Nkechi CN Kato George Usman GU Isabu Augustina Chikaodili AC Obute Akor John AJ

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Johnson S, Cooper C, Cartwright S, Donald I, Taylor P, Millet C. The experience of work-related stress across occupations. J Manag Psychol. 2005;20(2):178–187. doi: 10.1108/02683940510579803.
Authors :  9
Identifiers
Doi : 2327
SSN : 1471-2458
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adaptation, Psychological
Other Terms
Burnout;Coping strategies;Nigeria;Psychological stress;Teachers
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Niger
Publication Country
England