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Food habits

Unhealthy Eating Habits Among Educators Contribute to Mental Health Issues

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by Aqilah Hadhirah Hazizi and colleagues at the Science University of Malaysia has highlighted the prevalence of unhealthy eating habits among educators, which can lead to mental health issues, affecting both physical and work-related wellness. The study, published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health, aimed to identify the tools used to assess psychological distress and dietary habits among teachers. The findings indicate that 15% to 50% of teachers experience psychological distress, and most commonly used tools include the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Regarding dietary behavior, studies revealed that teachers tend to skip meals, and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is the most commonly used tool for assessing nutritional intake.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 15% to 50% of teachers experience psychological distress, with the most common tools used being the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ).
  • Teachers tend to skip meals, and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is the most commonly used tool for assessing nutritional intake.
  • Interventions that incorporate emotional skills development, coping strategies, and social support are required to address these issues.
  • The study involved 15 studies published between 2016 and 2024, and the prevalence of psychological distress ranged from 15% to 50%.
  • The study suggests that addressing these issues can improve the mental health and well-being of educators, ultimately benefiting students and the education system.

Statistics:

  • 15% to 50% of teachers experience psychological distress.
  • 15 studies were included in the review, published between 2016 and 2024.
  • The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) were the most commonly used tools to assess psychological distress.
  • 75% of studies used the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess nutritional intake.

Sources:

  • Tools for Assessing Psychological Distress and Dietary Patterns Among School Teachers: a Scoping Review. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 2025; 54(8): 1608-1619.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Science University of Malaysia in the Area of Psychology and Psychiatry Reported (Tools for Assessing Psychological Distress and Dietary Patterns Among School Teachers: a Scoping Review). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 7498.

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