Factors influencing the quality of life and mental health of Brazilian Federal Education Network Employees: an epidemiological cross-sectional study

Abstract

Understanding the aspects of quality of life (QoL) and mental health can offer valuable insights into the well-being of educational employees. Therefore, this study assessed the factors influencing the QoL and mental health of Brazilian Federal Network Employees. This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 2022, with 1563 participants. We used the WHOQOL-bref, DASS-21, BackPEI, PeNSE, and a self-developed sociodemographic questionnaire. The results showed that female participants had poorer mental health, showing higher symptoms of depression (p = 0.010) and anxiety and stress (p < 0.001), and lower QoL in the physical and psychological domains (p < 0.001) compared with male participants. The older age group (>53 years) indicated higher QoL in the psychological (p < 0.001) and environmental (p < 0.015) domains, with differences in mental health-related symptoms (p < 0.001), compared with the younger age group. Higher levels of education were related to higher QoL in the psychological and environmental domains (p < 0.001). The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sodas, and sweets was negatively associated with mental health (p < 0.001), as was the consumption of fried snacks, which indicated higher symptoms of depression (p = 0.002), anxiety (p = 0.006), and stress (p < 0.001). Conversely, the consumption of healthy foods (vegetables and fruits) was related to better QoL in all domains (p < 0.001). Regarding alcoholic beverages, the results showed symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.003) and stress (p < 0.001) in employees who consumed these for more than 3 days in a month. Furthermore, regular physical activity was related to fewer symptoms related to mental health and higher QoL (p < 0.001). Conversely, spending 5 h or more using a computer indicated lower QoL in the psychological (p = 0.002) and environmental (p < 0.001) domains. The current findings emphasize the need for intervention measures for Brazilian education employees to promote physical activity, healthy food consumption, reduced screen time, and awareness of the harm of risky behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol, to enhance their QoL and mental health.