JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Primary, Basic, Secondary and High School teachers are constantly faced with increased work stressors which can result in psychological health challenges such as burnout, anxiety and depression, and in some cases, physical health problems. It is presently unknown what the mental health literacy levels are or the prevalence and the correlates of psychological issues among teachers in Zambia. It is also unknown if an email mental messaging program (Wellness4Teachers) would effectively reduce burnout and associated psychological problems and improve mental health literacy among teachers.

Objective:

The Primary objectives of this study are to determine if daily supportive email messages plus weekly mental health literacy information delivered via email can help improve mental health literacy and reduce the prevalence of moderate to high-stress symptoms, burnout, moderate to high anxiety symptoms, moderate to high depression symptoms, and low resilience among school teachers in Zambia. The secondary objectives of this study are to evaluate the baseline prevalence and correlates of moderate to high stress, burnout, moderate to high anxiety, moderate to high depression and low resilience among school teachers in Zambia.

Methods:

This is a quantitative longitudinal and cross-sessional study. Data will be collected at baseline (onset of the program), six weeks, three months, six months (the program midpoint), and twelve months (the endpoint) using online surveys. Subscription will be by individual teachers accepting an invitation to subscribe from the Lusaka Apex Medical University organizational account on the ResilienceNHope online application. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive and inferential statistics. Outcome measures will be evaluated using standardized rating scales.

Results:

The Wellness4Teachers email program is expected to improve participating teachers' mental health literacy and well-being. It is anticipated that the prevalence of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and low resilience among teachers in Zambia will be similar to those reported in other jurisdictions. In addition, it is expected that demographic, socioeconomic, organizational factors, class size, and grade teaching will be associated with burnout and other psychological disorders among teachers, as indicated in the literature. Results are expected two years after the program launch.

Conclusions:

The Wellness4Teachers email program will provide essential insight into the prevalence and correlates of the psychological problems among teachers in Zambia and the program's impact on subscribers' mental health literacy and well-being. The outcome of this study will help inform policy and decision-making regarding psychological interventions for teachers in Zambia.