The relationship between depression and stressor factors in Yogo teachers

a study at public primary and secondary schools in urban areas

Abstract

Objective: To identify the level of depression in Yogo teachers and examine the relationship between stressor factors and their depression.
Method: Group surveys were conducted using an anonymous self-reported questionnaire composed of attribute items, a depression scale (CES-D), and job stressor scales. Respondents consisted of 293 participants at public primary and secondary school Yogo teacher workshops held in three cities in one prefecture in the Kanto region between September 2004 and January 2005. Level of depression in 184 effective responses was assessed based on CES-D score, and the relationshipbetween the presence or absence of a depressive state and attributes and job stressors was investigated.
Results: Mean CES-D score of effective responses (n=184) was 13.5(SD8.0). Sixty-three (34.2%) participants scored ≥16 and were considered to be depressed. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that “having or not having children” and “role conflict” at work were significantly related to the presence or absence of depression. The odds ratios for a depressive state were 2.4 for those with children against those without, and 2.5 for those with a high level of role conflict against those with a low level of role conflict.
Conclusion: By the examination at public primary and secondary schools in urban areas, 34.2% of Yogo teachers were considered to be depressed. Factors that individually affected depression were found to be having or not having children and role conflict at work.