Physical activity and psychosocial variables influencing the mental and physical health of secondary school teachers

Objectives: The teaching profession is characterized by a high level of absenteeism and early retirement. This may be caused by high levels of stress and a poor physical health attributed to the teaching job. Participation in physical activity (PA) may enhance coping resources against stressful situations and enhance their health. However, PA promotion and health policy for school staff hasn't received much attention yet. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the mental and physical health of teachers, with a special interest for PA variables in order to make suggestions for PA interventions.
Methods: PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; mental (MH) and physical health (PH) by the Short Form 36 (SF36) and Psychosocial Aspects at Work by the PAW questionnaire. The online survey also consisted of questions probing for teaching aspects and demographics and was conducted in a representative sample of secondary school teachers (n=1167, average age 40 years; 68% female). Anova's, univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.
Results: The work related factors, job satisfaction, social support and occupational stress, were more important predictors for mental health scores (R²=34,7%) than for PH (R²=9,5%). Occupational PA and sitting time were inversely associated with a better teachers' health, whereas PA in leisure time had a positive association with both MH and PH. Job satisfaction was the most important predictor for both MH and PH. PA for transportation and PA at home were not associated with teachers' health.
Conclusion: Work related aspects were the most important predicator for MH and PH indicating the importance of the work environment on especially the mental health of the teachers. Those work related factors can be invigorated by regular participation in leisure time PA, enhancing social coherence, a higher self-esteem and a more active coping approach. Although any kind of PA may have a positive influence on health, for the teachers, occupational PA was perceived as stressful and wearing. Leisure time PA should be promoted, considering a safe & social activity. Future research should explore in which environment (school- or home based) PA should be promoted best to improve teachers' health.