The assocation between the personality traits of teachers, personal health behaviors and depressive symptoms

Depression is an emotional state characterized by one or more of these symptoms: sad mood, low energy, poor concentration, sleep or appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. Depression may signify a mood, a symptom, or a syndrome.This study examines the association between personal health behaviors, personality traits and depressive symptoms among teachers. A sample of 433 teachers (Male=239, Female=194) answered a self-questionnaire including sociodemographic variables, depressive symptoms were measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, Personality traits were measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory and 12 personal health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, daily consumption of breakfast, appropriate daily duration of sleep, appropriate daily duration of work, regular physical activity, appropriate levels of stress, balanced diet, using seat belt, using sunscreen, using mobile phone and using internet) were also assessed.Logistic regression analysis revealed that inappropriate daily duration of work (OR=2.95, 95%, CI=1.43-6.08), inappropriate stress management (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.12-4.10) not using seat belt (OR=2.59, 95%, CI=1.37-4.88) not balanced diet (OR=2.31, 95%, CI=1.14-2.66) and low extroversion personality scores (OR=0.67, %95, CI=0.48-0.95) predicted depressive symptoms. Results have important implications for prevention and treatment of teacher?s depression disorders.Key Words: Teachers, Personal Health Behaviors, Personality Traits, Depressive Symptoms.