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  3. Moses Onyemaechi Ede

Sociodemographic predictors of occupational stress and exposure to workplace psychosocial hazards in a sample of Nigerian primary school teachers: Implications for career counselors

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  • July 14, 2023
  • Moses Onyemaechi Ede University of the Free State, Bloemfontein,  South Africa
  • Chinedu Ifedi Okeke University of the Free State, Bloemfontein,  South Africa
Corresponding Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24036/00522za0002

Keywords:

Sociodemographic; occupational stress; workplace psychosocial hazards; primary school teachers

Abstract

Teachers’ responsibilities are becoming increasingly challenging and demanding. This cross-sectional survey examined the demographic predictors of occupational stress and exposure to workplace psychosocial hazards among 254 primary school teachers. Two measurement tools were used to assess work-related stress and attendant psychosocial risks. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlation analysis were employed to analyze the demographic characteristics of the participants and explore the relationships between these demographic factors, work-related stress, and psychosocial risks. The findings revealed a strong positive association between gender and teachers’ occupational stress. Additionally, working status, gender, and location showed a positive correlation with increased exposure to occupational psychosocial hazards among primary school teachers. Conversely, qualifications exhibited a negative and significant association with teachers’ exposure to psychosocial hazards at work. In conclusion, this study highlights a substantial increase in occupational stress for primary school teachers as they age and become more qualified. These findings suggest the need for educational policymakers in Nigerian school settings to address age, location, and working status discrimination to improve teachers’ well-being.

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