Stress in Schools: prevalence of hidden psychiatric illnesses among Jeddah school workers

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of hidden psychiatric illnesses [HPI] among Jeddah school teachers and administrators using general health questionnaire [GHQ] Subjects and methods: A sample of 676 workers from 38 randomly selected governmental and private schools filled out an Arabic version of GHQ. Answers were used to divide them into cases of HPI and normals. Personal and work environment factors were asked and analyzed to measure significant differences between cases and non cases and determine risk factors affecting these illnesses. Prevalence of HPI was 38.2% among school workers and association was significant with young ages, female sex and singles. Frequency of somatization of complaints was also high such as headache, body ache and sleeping problems. The study documented a high rate of HPI and discussed underlying factors of stress among school workers in relation to personal factors of workers and the work situation. The findings stressed the importance of social support strategies for those at risk and the need for further research in this occupational stress