Aproximación al estado de salud mental del profesorado en 12 escuelas de Puente Alto, Santiago Chile / Mental health of teachers from 12 basic schools in a suburban community in Chile

ABSTRACT

Mental health of teachers is a primary concern, considering the important deficiencies in the Chilean educational system. Aim: To explore mental health in teachers from local primary schools. Material and methods: The 12 question version of the Goldberg health questionnaire (a self administered instrument) was applied to 139 teachers working in basic schools in a suburban community. Results: One hundred twenty teachers (99 females) answered the questionnaire. A possible emotional problem was detected in 28.6 percent. The life prevalence of mental health problems was 32 percent. Relationships with children were the best perceived and relationships with superiors were the worst perceived. A higher social valuation of teachers and better salaries were the two variables associated with a better satisfaction with work. The number of working hours were directly related to mental health problems. Multivariate analysis showed that age was independent and negatively correlated with Goldberg score and that general satisfaction with work was directly related to the quality of relationships with superiors. Conclusions: Age and number of working hours were two risk factors for mental problems identified in this sample. A better social valuation of teachers work, better salaries and a good relationship with children and superiors should improve labor satisfaction