Capacità lavorativa, salute psico-fisica, burnout ed età, tra insegnanti d'infanzia ed educatori di asilo nido: uno studio trasversale

Introduction. Although well-being and psychophysical health of nursery and kindergarten teachers have relevant implications also on health and well-being of their recipients, studies dedicated at those workers are quite rare, particularly in Italy. Aim. The aim of the study is to observe psychophysical health conditions in a sample of nursery and kindergarten teachers employed in the Educational Service Division of the Municipality of Turin. Method. The study was cross-sectional. 884 self-report questionnaires were distribuited. 734 teachers (that represent the 53% of those employed at the Educational Service of the Municipality of Turin) correctely filled out the questionnaire. Results. Respectively 53.4% and 50% of participants reported medium or high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, while 18.5% showed low levels of personal accomplishment. Responders reported moderate levels of work ability in 38.9% and poor in 5.6%. The majority of the respondents (98.7%) did not report depressive symptoms. 42.9% of the sample suffered moderate to severe limiting muscle-skeletal pain. Age and profession are associated with emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, and muscle-skeletal pain. However, work ability and depression are only aasociated with age. No associations were found with depersonalization. Conclusions. The present study highlights that health conditions of nursery and kindergarten teachers are problematical and that age contributes to the explanation of that condition.