School teachers' self-reported fear and risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic - a nationwide survey in Germany

Weinert, S.; Thronicke, A.; Hinse, M.; Schad, F.; Matthes, H.

Background With COVID-19 cases peaking, COVID-19 vaccination programs starting and health systems reaching their limits in winter 2020/21, schools remained closed in many countries despite ever-recurring debates. To better understand teachers' fear of infection and risk perception we conducted a survey in Germany. Methods Participants were recruited through various associations and invited to take part in a cross-sectional COVID-19 specific online survey. Anonymous demographic and self-reported data were collected from those who gave their informed consent. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. To evaluate with fear associated factors of contracting SARS-CoV-2, an adjusted multivariable regression analysis was performed. Results 6.753 teachers gave their informed consent to answer the online survey. The median age of the teachers was 43 years with 77% being female. Most teachers worked in high schools (29%) and elementary schools (26%). Most participants (73%) feared to contract SARS-CoV-2 at school while 77% intended to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 98% considered students to pose the greatest risk. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that female and younger teachers were significantly more anxious to get infected with SARS-CoV-2 and that the odds teachers were more anxious was 9 times higher for those who favored re-opening of schools the least (p < 0.001). Conclusions To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to describe teachers fear and risk perception of COVID-19 and their attitude towards vaccinations in a nationwide survey. The anxiety correlates to the COVID-19 protection measures demanded. Teachers' fear is the driving factor and not a rational logic.