Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
2. Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
3. Public Health Research Analytics and Methods for Evidence, Public Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales Sydney Australia
4. Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales Sydney Australia
Abstract
ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDTeachers' health behaviors and mental well‐being are important for their chronic disease risk and reducing burnout. This study investigates the health‐related behaviors and psychological distress of Australian teachers compared with other occupations.METHODSData from the nationally representative Australian National Health Survey (NHS) were analyzed. Employed adults (20‐64 years) from 2014/2015 (n = 8455), 2017/2018 (n = 9130), and 2020/2021 (n = 5753) survey waves were included. Logistic regression, adjusted for demographics, compared health‐related behaviors (eg, physical activity, diet), and psychological distress among teachers, nonteacher professionals (NTPs; eg, accountants, doctors), and other general occupations (eg, laborers, beauticians).RESULTSAfter adjusting for demographics and survey wave, teachers had similar odds as NTPs for meeting physical activity (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.90‐1.41), vegetable intake (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52‐1.00), and alcohol consumption (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.83‐1.22) guidelines. However, teachers exhibited higher psychological distress (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.75). Elevated psychological distress levels were observed in all groups in 2020/2021, compared with pre‐COVID‐19.CONCLUSIONSCompared with NTPs, teachers showed similar or better health‐related behaviors, although teachers had higher levels of psychological distress. School executives and policymakers need to implement sustainable measures to prioritise teachers' mental wellbeing.
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