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School Teachers’ Self-Reported Fear and Risk Perception during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Survey in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Stefanie Weinert

    (Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany)

  • Anja Thronicke

    (Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
    Research Institute Havelhöhe (FIH), Department Network Oncology, Kladower Damm 221, Berlin, Germany)

  • Maximilian Hinse

    (Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany)

  • Friedemann Schad

    (Research Institute Havelhöhe (FIH), Department Network Oncology, Kladower Damm 221, Berlin, Germany
    Interdisciplinary Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Berlin, Germany)

  • Harald Matthes

    (Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
    Research Institute Havelhöhe (FIH), Department Network Oncology, Kladower Damm 221, Berlin, Germany
    Medical Clinic for Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology CBF, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases peaking and health systems reaching their limits in winter 2020/21, schools remained closed in many countries. To better understand teachers’ risk perception, we conducted a survey in Germany. Participants were recruited through various associations and invited to take part in a cross-sectional COVID-19-specific online survey. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Factors associated with teachers’ fears of contracting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were evaluated with an adjusted multivariable regression analysis. The median age of the 6753 participating teachers was 43 years, and 77% were female. Most teachers worked in high schools (29%) and elementary schools (26%). The majority of participants (73%) feared contracting SARS-CoV-2 at school, while 77% intended to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Ninety-eight percent considered students to pose the greatest risk. Female and younger teachers were significantly more anxious to get infected and teachers who opposed the re-opening of schools had significantly higher odds of being more anxious ( p < 0.001). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to describe teachers’ risk perception of COVID-19 and their attitudes towards vaccinations in a nationwide survey. The anxiety correlates with the COVID-19 protection measures demanded and appears to be a driving factor rather than rational logic.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefanie Weinert & Anja Thronicke & Maximilian Hinse & Friedemann Schad & Harald Matthes, 2021. "School Teachers’ Self-Reported Fear and Risk Perception during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Survey in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9218-:d:626913
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ingo E. Isphording & Marc Lipfert & Nico Pestel, 2021. "Does Re-Opening Schools Contribute to the Spread of Sars-Cov-2? Evidence From Staggered Summer Breaks in Germany," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2020_263, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany.
    2. Isphording, Ingo E. & Lipfert, Marc & Pestel, Nico, 2021. "Does re-opening schools contribute to the spread of SARS-CoV-2? Evidence from staggered summer breaks in Germany," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
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    1. Van de Casteele, Marlies & Waterschoot, Joachim & Anthierens, Sibyl & DeSmet, Ann & Galand, Benoit & Goossens, Herman & Morbée, Sofie & Vansteenkiste, Maarten, 2022. "Saliva testing among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effects on health concerns, well-being, and precautionary behavior," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    2. Annamaria Porru & Raffaele Dicataldo & Irene Leo & Maja Roch & Daniela Lucangeli, 2022. "Back to School: Italian Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impact of COVID-19 on Personal and Social Well-Being and Teaching Methods," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-20, September.
    3. Jerome Flores & Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar & Michael Escobar & Matías Irarrázaval, 2022. "Well-Being and Mental Health in Teachers: The Life Impact of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-12, November.

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