AB138. Factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among public school teachers in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract: Teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing the future generation, shaping educational quality and developing human capital. However, rising demands, including long hours, large class sizes, and emotional strain, have taken a toll on their physical and mental well-being. This cross-sectional study assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among public school teachers in Peninsular Malaysia. Among 11,057 teachers recruited in the study, the mean scores for Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) were 47.59 and 48.88, respectively, suggesting that, on average, teachers in this sample report a moderate level of HRQoL. Multivariable analysis showed lower PCS scores among female teachers (B=−1.60), those aged 50–59 years (B=−1.17), and those with obesity (B=−2.60); while high physical activity improved PCS (B=0.52). MCS scores were higher in older teachers (≥60 years: B=3.93), but significantly lower among teachers with extremely severe stress (B=−8.45) and depression (B=−8.85). These findings highlight demographic, lifestyle, and mental health influences on HRQoL. Targeted interventions by policymakers, school administrators, and health professionals may help improve the mental health and well-being of the teaching workforce, such as workplace wellness programs, age-appropriate health screenings, routine physiological screening, and counseling.

Keywords: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL); public school; teachers; Short Form 12-item Health Survey, version 2 (SF-12v2); International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-short)