Conditions and Challenges for Healthy School Staff in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Schools can contribute to improving the health and well-being of children and school staff. AIM: The aim of paper is to present the current conditions in the schools regarding the health of the school staff and the challenges for improvement. METHODS: Authors conducted a cross-sectional study in 320 primary schools – urban and rural, during 2019/2020. They used the Rapid Assessment Tool for data collection. Total scores were compared for school staff, in relation to current situation and priority. Several tests were used: Shapiro–Wilk W test, Mann–Whitney U-test, etc. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used. RESULTS: The best current situation has the indicator (2.80 ± 0.48) which refers to the fact that “The new school staff receives mentors and education that helps them in their professional development.” The second best current situation is the indicator (2.55 ± 0.57) which states that “The school supports staff in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.” Evaluated with a high priority of about 60% are indicators: “There are sufficient resources for school staff to provide materials related to health topics that include mental health promotion” – 63.75%, “The school has a protocol for dealing with periodic staff leave as well as assisting in returning to work and re-engaging and adjusting after a period of sick leave” – 61.25% and “School promotes work-life balance, a reasonable workload and an open environment in which problems and stress at work can be discussed” – 60.94%. CONCLUSION: School staff needs appropriate school measures, which will contribute to the promotion of better health in the school environment.