The Effects of Job Stress and Depression on Xerostomia Levels among Secondary School Teachers in Busan

Objectives: This study examines how job stress and depression influence xerostomia levels among secondary school teachers in Busan, South Korea. The aim is to clarify the link between teachers’ psychological condition and their oral health. Methods: Between June and July 2024, 216 teachers participated in a cross-sectional survey. The instrument measured job stress (39 items), depression (CES-D scale; 20 items), and xerostomia (six-item visual analog scale). General and occupational characteristics were also collected. For the analysis, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS 29.0. Results: Job stress, depression, and xerostomia showed significant differences by gender, age, school type, and homeroom status (p < 0.05). In the regression model, both job stress (β = 0.266, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.598, p < 0.001) significantly predicted xerostomia, explaining 68.2% of the variance (R² = 0.682). Conclusions: Job stress and depression are strongly associated with xerostomia in teachers. The findings highlight the need for combined programs to support both mental and oral health in this occupational group.