DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11927 ISSN: 0924-9338

Psychological well-being and mental health challenges in female university staff

I. Sellami, A. Abbes, A. Feki, M. L. Masmoudi, M. Hajjaji, K. Jmal Hammami

Introduction

Female university staff experience notable psychological and mental health challenges, highlighting the need for close mental health monitoring and promotion of workplace well-being.

Objectives

Our study aims to evaluate the mental health among female university staff.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional survey to evaluate the mental health of university staff using a self-administered questionnaire. We assessed socio-professional characteristics. Mental health was assessed by the Mental Health Continum Short Form (MHC-SF) questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results

Forty-four female participants were included, with a mean age of 51.8 ± 6.6 years. Most (88.6%) were married, and none were active smokers. The mean job satisfaction score was 7.3 ± 1.9. The mean MHC-SF score was 41.5 ± 16.6, with mean scores for emotional, psychological, and social well-being of 8.4 ± 4.2, 20.1 ± 7.2, and 12.9 ± 6.2, respectively. Anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms were reported by 52.3%, 38.6%, and 45.4% of participants, respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that overall well-being was negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and stress (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite moderate job satisfaction, a substantial proportion of female university staff experienced anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms, which were significantly associated with lower psychological well-being.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

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