PREVALENCE OF WORK-RELATED STRESS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN GIMBIE TOWN DURING COVID-19N PERIOD, OROMIYA, WESTERN ETHIOPIA, 2021.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Work-related stress is one of a major public health, occupational health, and socioeconomic issues worldwide. However; the education sector has been identified as being particularly vulnerable during covid-19 pandemic era. As a result, professionals have been exposed to a variety of health difficulties, including anxiety, chronic diseases, adoption of unhealthy behaviors, and as well as significant absenteeism and turnover in the educational sectors. Nevertheless, the prevalence and contributing factors of WRS among primary school teachers are not well studied. This study was, therefore, aimed at filling this gap. Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess prevalence of work related stress and associated factors among primary School teachers in Gimbie town, Western Ethiopia. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Gimbie town, involving all 672 primary school teachers from April to May 2021. The standardized teacher Occupational Stress Scale, which was self-administered, was used to collect data. We used Epi info version 7.2.1.0 to enter data and then exported to the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 for analysis. A bivariable analysis was carried out to identify variables with a p<0.2. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine significantly associated variables at a p?0.05 and Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI. Results: The response rate was 96.8% (N=651). Respondents’ age ranges from 20 to 71 years and the mean age of respondents’ were 35.8 with SD±9.3 years. The overall prevalence of work related stress in the past 4 months was (N=326), 50.1%, 95% CI: [46.1-53. 9]. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that (Age 40-49) [AOR:1.74, 95% CI,(1.46, 7.16)], salary [AOR: 0.24, 95% CI,( 0.10,0.58)], job satisfaction [AOR: 2.06, 95% CI, (1.43-2.97)], relationship [AOR: 0.69; 95% CI (0.48-0.98)], and job change [AOR: 2.27; 95% CI (1.54-3.34)] were significant factors associated with work-related stress. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that the proportion of work related stress was high. Work related stresses were significantly influenced by age,