Tools for Assessing Psychological Distress and Dietary Patterns among School Teachers: A Scoping Review

Aqilah Hadhirah   Hazizi; NurZetty Sofia  Zainuddin; Divya  Vanoh; Affizal  Ahmad; Nani  Draman; Hana  Fauziyyah

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i8.19570

Aqilah Hadhirah Hazizi Nutrition Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
NurZetty Sofia Zainuddin Dietetic Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Divya Vanoh Dietetic Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Affizal Ahmad Speech Pathology Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nani Draman Department of Family Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Hana Fauziyyah Nutrition Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i8.19570

Keywords: Psychological distress; Mental health; Dietary habit; Nutritional intake; School teachers

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy eating habits and behaviours among educators contribute to mental health issues, which profoundly affect both physical health and work-related wellness. The objectives of the review were to identify the prevalence of psychological distress and dietary habits among teachers and the tools used to assess psychological distress and dietary intake or behaviour in this population.

Methods: Three databases which are SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of Science were extensively searched to identify primary articles. Full articles were screened independently based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifteen studies published between 2016 and 2024 were included, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Results: The prevalence of psychological distress ranged from 15% to 50%, with the most commonly used tools being the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Regarding dietary behaviour, studies revealed that teachers tend to skip meals and reported moderate to high scores of Healthy Eating Index. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was the most commonly used tool for assessing nutritional intake.

Conclusion: Addressing these issues, interventions that incorporate emotional skills development, coping strategies and social support are required to explore this relationship in greater detail.