The Effect of Education on Job Stress and Mental Health in University Staff.

Background: In recent years, due to the expansion of university capacities and the limitation of university human resources and income, workers face job stress, which is an important risk factor for their mental health. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of education on job stress and mental health in university staff.

Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted in Zahedan, southeastern Iran, from 2020 to 2021. In this study, 254 administrative staff from the Zahedan University of Medical Sciences and Zahedan University were included in the control and intervention groups using available sampling methods. The study instrument was an investigator-designed questionnaire with a content effectiveness ratio (CVR) of 0.8, a content effectiveness index (CVI) of 0.83-0.93, and an internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.79. The survey was activated online on the Porsline platform. For the intervention, training sessions were held online, and session files and training booklets for intervention group staff were uploaded to the university's education system. Post-test was performed 1 month after the pretest. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software after adjusting pretest results using Chi-square and ANCOVA statistical tests.

Results: The results showed that employees with a higher education level had better knowledge and behavior in reducing occupational stress and maintaining mental health (P < 0.05). Also, employees with higher knowledge reported their health level better (P < 0.05). After the educational intervention, the knowledge, attitude, and Practices of the participants in the intervention group increased significantly with occupational stress and mental health (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The implemented educational program was effective in improving workplace stress management behaviors and maintaining the mental health of university staff. Therefore, intervention training programs can play an important role in improving employee health, and conducting empowerment workshops in this area is recommended for employees.