Health attitudes of school teachers

OBJECTIVE: Teachers' health attitudes are usually a reflection of their knowledge, beliefs and perceptions on health. Such attitudes could be disseminated from teachers to their pupils, who represent the fastest growing segment of the population. Health promotion in society will depend, among other factors, on this segment. School teachers therefore, should have proper attitudes and be knowledgeable with regards to health issues. The purpose of this study was to assess school teachers' health attitudes and perceptions.

METHODS: This study was conducted in Bahrain during 1997 through to 1998. A random sample of 49 schools were selected and all the teachers (N=1140) serving in those schools were chosen. Information regarding their health attitudes was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.

RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and forty teachers with age ranging from 20-58-years responded to the questionnaire. Results indicated that teachers in Bahrain lack appropriate health attitudes and knowledge.

CONCLUSION: There is a need for an in service training of teachers in order to promote their health attitudes, that can reflect on the attitude of their pupils.