Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and hypertension among university teachers in Hong Kong during COVID-19 pandemic

Hypertension is a significant global public health problem and recognized as the leadingmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The continuous aggravation situation of theCOVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong and the abrupt disruptions to our daily life in following thehealth meaures, compulsory testing, social distancing and quarantine measures have raisedconcerns about mental health. The transition from face-to-face to online teaching, and thechanges of teaching and learning activities and assessment would pose additional pressure andstress on university teachers. In the context of major changes in the professional practice ofuniversity teachers, monitoring of mental health and the associated hypertension is important.However, there is no evidence on the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression amonguniversity teachers in Hong Kong during COVID-19 pandemic.The study aims to: (i) examine the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and hypertensionamongst university teachers in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (ii) determinethe association between stress, anxiety and depression and hypertension. The findings of thestudy would provide insights to raise public’s awareness on mental health of universityteachers and safeguard the mental health of teachers to ensure the well-being of students andhigh-quality teaching.