What is the cost of dedication to teaching? A school-based longitudinal quantitative study on habits and quality of life

This study aims to evaluate, through a longitudinal research, the association between lifestyle habits, modifiable risk behaviors, and mental health with quality of life (QoL) among professionals of the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific, and Technological Education (education professionals) in Brazil. A total of 600 professionals (including teachers and administrative technicians) were longitudinally evaluated in 2022 and 2023. Four validated questionnaires were used: the WHOQOL-bref to assess quality of life (QoL), the DASS-21 for mental health, the Back-PEI for physical activity, and PeNSE for dietary markers. The statistical analysis included Relative Risk ( RR ) tests and adjusted analysis using a Poisson regression model with robust variance. The main findings indicate that women exhibit poorer QoL in the physical domain ( RRadj = 1.19, p = 0.005) and psychological domain ( RRadj = 1.14, p = 0.045). Being employed and over 60 years old is a protective factor for QoL in the psychological domain ( RRadj = 0.67; p < 0.05). The regular consumption of ultraprocessed foods is a risk factor for QoL all domains ( RRadj > 1.15, p < 0.05). Irregular consumption of vegetables/greens ( RRadj > 1.11, p < 0.05) and fruits ( RRadj > 1.10, p < 0.05) indicated a risk of low QoL. Participants with low frequency or no physical activity had a higher risk of worse quality of life scores across all domains ( RRadj > 1.20; p < 0.001). Exposure to television for 5 hours or more during the day was a risk factor for low QoL in the physical domain ( RRadj = 1.33, p = 0.005) and social relationships ( RRadj = 1.32, p = 0.003). Computer use was not associated with QoL (p > 0.05). Higher frequency of alcohol consumption was associated with higher scores in the social relationships domain ( RRadj = 0.83, p = 0.037). Regarding mental health, depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms were associated with low QoL across all domains ( RRadj > 1.33, p < 0.01) in both men and women. The results of this longitudinal study may encourage healthier lifestyle habits and support public policies aimed at improving the well-being of education professionals.