Covid-19 related knowledge and anxiety response among physical education teachers during practical in- person lessons: Effects of potential moderators
Covid-19 related knowledge and anxiety response among physical education teachers during practical in- person lessons: Effects of potential moderators
Publication Year
22
Article Title
Covid-19 related knowledge and anxiety response among physical education teachers during practical in- person lessons: Effects of potential moderators
Journal
Behavioural Sciences
Volume
12
Issue Number
83
Page Numbers
1-15
Abstract
The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in heightened anxiety levels among teachers, especially
regarding PE teachers who are required to engage students in practical in‐person or contact
teaching lessons. Previous research showed that these levels of anxiety among PE teachers appeared
to be explained by the interplay between COVID‐19 knowledge, workplace safety perception, and
educational qualification. This study assessed the relationship between COVID‐19‐related
knowledge and anxiety response among PE teachers during such practical lessons while moderating
the effects of workplace safety perception and educational qualification within the relationship.
The study conveniently recruited 160 PE teachers to solicit responses through both online and
printed questionnaires. Using correlation and linear regression analyses, the study revealed a significant
negative relationship between COVID‐19‐related knowledge and anxiety response among
PE teachers. The educational qualification of PE teachers did not significantly moderate the association
between COVID‐19‐related knowledge and anxiety response. Workplace safety perception
significantly moderated the association between COVID‐19‐related knowledge and anxiety response
among PE teachers. The findings remind educational authorities about the essence of creating
a positive and safe working environment conducive to academic work. Achieving this goal requires
the provision of adequate COVID‐19 management logistics (e.g., personal protective equipment,
hand sanitizers) by educational authorities for PE teachers to maintain safety practices and
optimal learning conditions.