COVID-19-Related Fear and Mental Distress Among Tunisian Primary, Middle and High School Teachers: Prevalence and Predictive Factors

Hanen MAAMRI; Houda BEN AYED; Mouna BAKLOUTI; Nouha KETATA; Sourour YAICH; Raouf KARRAY; Jihene JDIDI; Yosra MEJDOUB; Mondher KASSIS; Habib FEKI; Jamel DAMAK

doi:10.7888/juoeh.45.105

Hanen MAAMRI , Houda BEN AYED, Mouna BAKLOUTI, Nouha KETATA, Sourour YAICH, Raouf KARRAY, Jihene JDIDI, Yosra MEJDOUB, Mondher KASSIS, Habib FEKI, Jamel DAMAK

Author information

Hanen MAAMRI Corresponding author
Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Houda BEN AYED
Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Mouna BAKLOUTI
Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Nouha KETATA
Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Sourour YAICH
Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Raouf KARRAY
Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Jihene JDIDI
Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Yosra MEJDOUB
Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Mondher KASSIS
Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Habib FEKI
Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
Jamel DAMAK
Community Health and Epidemiology Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia

Keywords: COVID-19, Fear, Mental distress, Teachers

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2023 Volume 45 Issue 2 Pages 105-115

DOI https://doi.org/10.7888/juoeh.45.105

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Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of fear of COVID-19 and serious mental distress among teachers in public schools of Southern Tunisia. This was a cross sectional study among a representative sample of 525 teachers. The level of Fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). A high level was defined as an FCV-19S ≥ 22. Kessler 6 (K6) was performed to predict serious mental distress. Serious mental distress was defined as a K6 score ≥ 13. The prevalence rates of high level of fear of COVID-19 and serious mental distress were 32.8% and 63.8%, respectively. Independent factors associated with a high level of fear of COVID-19 were female gender (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.6 [1.1-2.5]), chronic disease (AOR=1.6 [1.1-2.4]), home-living children (AOR=3.3 [1.4-7.8]), and poor material working conditions (AOR=1.5 [1.2-2.1]). The high level of fear of COVID-19 (AOR=3.1 [1.8-5.1]) was independently associated with serious mental distress. Living in a rural area (AOR=0.4 [0.3-0.8]), previous COVID-19 infection (AOR=0.5 [0.4-0.8]) and going to school on foot (AOR=0.3 [0.2-0.51]) were independently associated with a lower prevalence of serious mental distress.

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