Prevalence of Occupational Stress Among School Teachers Working in Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Background Occupational stress is a major public health concern with significant implications for mental and physical health. Teachers are particularly vulnerable due to sustained emotional demands, workload pressures, and administrative responsibilities. Evidence regarding occupational stress among school teachers in Kerala remains limited. Objectives To assess the prevalence of occupational stress among teachers working in selected private schools in Ernakulam district, Kerala, and to identify sociodemographic, occupational, lifestyle, and clinical factors associated with occupational stress. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among teachers working in selected private schools in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Teachers employed for at least one month were included. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic, occupational, lifestyle, and clinical variables. Occupational stress was assessed using the validated Teachers' Occupational Stress Scale (TOSS). Stress levels were categorized as low, moderate, and high. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with moderate-to-high occupational stress. Results A total of 111 teachers participated, of whom 98.2% were female and 52.3% were aged ≥42 years. Based on TOSS, 64.0% (95% CI: 55.1%-72.9%) had moderate stress, 29.7% (95% CI: 21.2%-38.2%) had low stress, and 6.3% (95% CI: 1.8%-10.8%) had high stress. Occupational stress was significantly associated with blood pressure status (p = 0.014), teaching experience (p = 0.015), weekly teaching hours (p < 0.001), and commuting distance (p < 0.001). Teachers with less than five years of experience and those handling fewer than 30 teaching hours per week had significantly higher odds of moderate-to-high occupational stress. Conclusion Moderate occupational stress was common among teachers working in selected private schools in Ernakulam district. Shorter teaching experience and fewer weekly teaching hours were independently associated with moderate-to-high occupational stress. Workplace interventions focusing on mentoring, workload management, and mental health support may help improve teacher well-being.