An investigation of lifestyle behaviors, mental well-being, and work-related outcomes among female teachers: mixed-methods evidence for occupational health promotion
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Teachers’ health and quality of life are important to school health and education policy. This study examined lifestyle behaviors, mental well-being, satisfaction, and health-related absence among female schoolteachers in Saudi Arabia. Methods A mixed-methods study in the Eastern Province combined a cross-sectional questionnaire completed by 562 female government-school teachers with semi-structured interviews with 19 teachers. Mental well-being was assessed using the WHO-5. Associations were examined using Spearman correlation and multivariable logistic regression. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Results Poor mental well-being (WHO-5 ≤ 50) was reported by 58.4% of teachers, and 24.4% scored ≤28. No moderate-intensity activity was reported by 42.3%; 77.4% of 561 respondents slept six hours or less. Unhealthy foods were consumed several times per week or almost daily by 52.5%; only 29.9% consumed fruit and vegetables daily. Poor or very poor sleep quality was reported by 19.4%, and tobacco use by 3.4%. Overall, 27.9% brushed their teeth less than twice daily, and 52.1% last visited a dentist over two years earlier. Tooth or gum pain at least sometimes during the preceding three months was reported by 61.9%. Sleep quality and duration showed moderate positive correlations with well-being ( r = 0.390 and 0.302, respectively; p < 0.001). Physical activity, dietary behaviors, toothbrushing, and oral pain were also associated with well-being. Higher teaching load was weakly associated with lower satisfaction ( r = −0.098, p = 0.020). Lifestyle and satisfaction scores remained associated with good well-being after adjustment (OR = 1.051, 95% CI: 1.030–1.073; and 1.035, 95% CI: 1.022–1.048, respectively). Self-rated health also remained associated with good well-being. Lower lifestyle and well-being scores were associated with more health-related absence (all p < 0.05). Five themes described demanding workdays, barriers to healthy routines, emotional strain, work extending into home life, and occupational health concerns. Conclusion Unhealthy daily routines and poor mental well-being were common among teachers. These findings support greater attention to teacher health in education policy. School health promotion should include manageable work demands, time for rest, and access to preventive care. Sustained investment in workplace health promotion may support teachers’ well-being and quality of life.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Institution: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7223188344