Personal Factors and Mental Health of Public School Teachers in Lavezares I District, Division of Northern Samar
Rona L. Alcera *
Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Danhill C. Donoga
Department of Education Division of Northern Samar, Lavezares, Northern Samar, 6404, Philippines.
Margaret A. Turla
Department of Health, Rural Health Unit, Lavezares, Northern Samar, 6404, Philippines.
Cecil C. Balag
Department of Education Division of Northern Samar, Lavezares, Northern Samar, 6404, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study focused on the personal factors that influence the mental health of public-school teachers. This was conducted among elementary and secondary teachers in Lavezares I District, Division of Northern Samar. This study employed descriptive-correlational research design involving 30 participants chosen through purposive sampling. Data from survey questionnaire were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. This was conducted within the third quarter of the school year 2021-2022. Findings showed that more of them are between 31–38 years old. Majority of them are female, married, with net take home pay of 5,000 – 11,499, recipients of completed academic requirement (CAR) for their MA, hold teacher III position, have been in the service for 7 years and below, with not more than 2 trainings and seminars related to distance learning attended.
In terms of the mental health, results showed that teachers who are at the forefront of distance learning implementation manifest severe stress, moderate anxiety, and mild depression. The demographic profile in terms of age, gender, civil status, net take home pay, highest educational attainment, teaching position, length of service, and the number of attended trainings and seminars related to distance education found not significantly correlated teachers’ mental health. The findings of this study will provide input how school can address personal factors and mental health issues of teachers to become resilient in the face of adversities.
Keywords: Personal factors, mental health, public school teachers, COVID-19 pandemic