Mental Health Screening during COVID-19 Pandemic among School Teachers in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Theingi Maung Maung (), Sing Ying Tan, Chai Li Tay, Mohammed Shahjahan Kabir, Lubna Shirin and Tan Yong Chia
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Theingi Maung Maung: Unit of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong 08100, Kedah, Malaysia
Sing Ying Tan: Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh 30450, Perak, Malaysia
Chai Li Tay: Simpang Health Clinic, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Simpang, Taiping 34700, Perak, Malaysia
Mohammed Shahjahan Kabir: School of Medicine, Perdana University Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (PURCSI), Kuala Lumpur 50490, Selangor, Malaysia
Lubna Shirin: Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Science and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
Tan Yong Chia: Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre (ABrC), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas 11900, Penang, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-10

Abstract: (1) Background: The teaching profession has become more challenging due to the increased use of information technology, which potentially increases psychological distress among teachers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among school teachers in Malaysia during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated sociodemographic factors. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among primary and secondary school teachers in Malaysia. A validated DASS-21 questionnaire was used for mental health screening, and the study was conducted online during the pandemic period. (3) Results: The percentages of respondents with mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe depression were 12%, 9.7%, 4.7%, and 3.1%, respectively. Those with mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe anxiety accounted for 11.5%, 12.3%, 6.3%, and 6%, respectively. Those with mild, moderate, severe, and very severe stress accounted for 12.8%, 12%, 5.3%, and 2.5%, respectively. Perceived overworking was significantly greater during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. Significant experience in teaching, and less perceived overworking before and during the pandemic were associated with better mental health. (4) Conclusions: Periodic mental health screening for teachers may be beneficial in preventing mental health disorders and improving the quality of student education. A full assessment and innovation of the curriculum and workload should be implemented.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; teachers; depression; anxiety; stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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