Work engagement and burnout in teachers in the interrelationship the mediating role of occupational health literacy

Introduction: The teaching profession plays a critical role in the academic and personal development of individuals. However, factors such as teachers' excessive workload, stress, and inadequate working conditions may lead to the spread of burnout syndrome, which in turn may have negative effects on students' academic achievement. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between teachers' work engagement and burnout levels and to determine the mediating role of occupational health literacy on this relationship. Materials and Method: The study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The population of the study consists of teachers working in schools affiliated to the Directorate of National Education in Batman. As of February 9, 2024, according to the data obtained from the provincial directorate of national education, the total number of teachers providing education in Batman was 9,144. Before starting the study, it was aimed to reach at least 384 people by using Epi Info Package Program (Version7). The participants were administered the Job Retention Scale Short Form (UWES-6), Burnout Scale Short Form (BOSF) and Occupational Health Literacy Scale (OHSL) with socio-demographic questions consisting of 17 questions. The data of the study were obtained from the responses of 425 participants to the scales. Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.56±7.90, the mean score of the occupational health literacy index was 87.15±13.96, the mean total score index of the burnout scale was 33.25±12.69, and the mean total score of the work engagement scale was 26.15±6.48. While work-related burnout was a significant predictor of occupational health literacy and work engagement, occupational health literacy was also found to be a significant predictor of work engagement (p<0.05). It was observed that job-related burnout significantly predicted occupational health literacy in teachers (β= -0.18, p < .001). Work-related burnout score explained 3% of the variance of occupational health literacy score (R2: 0.032; P<0.01). Work engagement as an outcome variable was significantly predicted by occupational health literacy (β= 0.34, p< .001) and work-related burnout (β= -0.38, p< .001). Together, occupational health literacy and work-related burnout explain 31% of the variance in teachers' work engagement score (R2: 0.307; P<0.01). Conclusion: According to the data obtained, increasing ISO in employees is an effective way to reduce employee burnout and increase their commitment to work.