Stress and Mental Disorders in a Representative Sample of Teachers during Education Reform in Hong Kong.

Studies on the relationship between stress and specific mental disorders in particular occupational groups during major reforms have been limited, especially in Chinese communities. Using a strictly implemented telephone survey, this study examines standardized diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive episode (MDE), and the association between risks of disorders and stressors faced by a random and representative sample of 2,004 Chinese teachers (aged 21-65 years) in Hong Kong. Both job-specific and general stressors were studied. Results show that the six-month prevalence rates of GAD (11.3%) and MDE (12.8%) were higher than those of the general population. Job-specific stressors were more commonly endorsed than general stressors and were related to higher risks of both GAD and MDE. Those classified as having comorbid GAD and MDE reported more sick-leave days than those classified GAD only and those without any diagnosis. Teachers exhibited a moderately high level of recognition of mental disorders but only 8.5% of those with disorders sought help from mental health professionals because of concern over stigma. Although cross-sectional and time-limited, the telephone survey method may be a cost-effective and non-stigmatizing method for studying the relationship between mental disorders and stress of specific occupational groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]