Risk factors influencing the health of university teachers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Emotional burnout syndrome is described in the historical literature. According to various authors, the syndrome develops on average in 50% of contemporary teachers. However, the influence of the syndrome on the health of university teachers and its risk factors have not been sufficiently investigated.
 AIM: This study aimed to identify and analyze the specific of risk factors influencing the health of university teachers.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous survey of 1,417 teachers was conducted at humanities institutions of higher education in Moscow, and the results of medical examinations were studied.
 RESULTS: The prevalence of health disorders and associated risk factors among teachers were studied. The socio-hygienic characteristics of the surveyed teachers were analyzed based on a comprehensive assessment of their emotional state, according to individual diseases. In addition, the methods of improving their health status were determined.
 CONCLUSIONS: More than half of university teachers have health disorders associated with adverse occupational factors and the moral and psychological climate at work and at home, combined with poor health and socio-hygienic activity indicators. Their management should include health-improving technologies and ensure optimal conditions for professional activity.