Lifestyle-related behaviors among Brazilian public elementary school teachers and the associated factors

Background Teachers' lifestyle behaviors impact their health and well-being and can influence students. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of and factors associated with health-related lifestyle behaviors among teachers in Brazilian public basic education. Methods This study utilized an epidemiological web-based survey. The dependent variables were diet consumption, physical activity, sedentary behavior, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and the number of inappropriate behaviors adopted by the teachers. Multiple logistic regression and Poisson models were conducted. Results A total of 1,907 teachers participated, from 352 different municipalities in the state. Among them, 49% had an inadequate diet, 65% were insufficiently active, 62% exhibited sedentary behavior >4 hours, 6% were smokers, 33% consumed alcohol, and 69% accumulated between two and four inappropriate behaviors. Multiple models revealed feedback patterns among inappropriate behaviors, with common mental disorders being associated with nearly all such behaviors. The male sex, overweight/obese, common mental disorders, and smartphone addiction increased the occurrence of these behaviors, whereas being hired or assigned reduced their occurrence. Conclusion A high prevalence of inappropriate behaviors was observed among elementary school teachers, and these behaviors tended to be interrelated. Mental health and work-related issues were also relevant. The data should support health promotion strategies aimed at enhancing teacher well-being, thereby improving teaching quality.