The effect of perceived stress on absenteeism and presenteeism in public school teachers

This study assessed the relationship between the perceived stress of public school teachers and the frequency of total illness days. This sample included 2542 teachers and assessed the total number of illness days within the last 4 weeks. Independent variables included measures of perceived stress, demographic characteristics, occupational factors, and health behaviors. High levels of perceived stress were associated with increased frequency of illness days (p < 0.01). Occupational and health factors mediated the bivariate effect of stress by approximately 37%. Efforts to reduce the level of stress in teachers and to promote supportive working environments should be explored as potential policy implications.