Risk factors and health condition of workers in school environment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: An assessment of influence of risk factors and distress on the health of workers in school environment was performed as pilot study with the objective to identify problems and to further improvement of school environment and health of teachers. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the prevalence of mental health problems and risk factors of workers from preschool and school facilities in Pancevo. METHOD: An interview method in cross-sectional study. Standardized The Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) with 5 level graduated scale contents questions about symptoms in last seven days was used as well as the questionnaire about risk factors. The studied sample included 174 workers in preschool facilities and 180 teachers in primary and secondary schools. RESULTS: A total of 255 (response rate 72.0%) teachers fulfilled the questionnaire: 28 (11.0%) men and 227 (89.0%) women, average age 41.85 +/- 8.87 years. One third of workers (33.3%) somatized their health problems, 27.5% were occasionally or regularly distressed. The most frequent regular difficulties were concern (31%), back pain, neck pain and headache, and sometimes workers were most frequently tense (49.8%), with headache, worries, easy emotional reactions and easily irritated. Diseases of bone and locomotion system appeared to be the most frequent chronic disturbances in 38 (14.9%) cases, chronic respiratory diseases in 24 (9.4%), cardiovascular diseases in 22 (8.6%), gastrointestinal diseases in 12 (4.7%) and endocrine diseases in 12 (4.7%) cases. More than a half of workers were smokers (44.4% on regular and 9.8% on occasional basis). Physical inactivity was documented in 16.1%, while 47.5% were occasionally active. 4.3% were undernourished, and excessive body weight was recorded in 38.5% of workers. 34.5% workers had irregular nutrition, and 9.8% had superabundant meals. Self-estimation of health condition was stated as good by 31.8%, relatively good by 61.2% and bad by 7.1% of workers. CONCLUSION: Our investigation showed high prevalence of mental health problems as a consequence of distress and somatization. Most reported risk factors were smoking, obesity and irregular nutrition.