Frequency of Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Pakistani Physical Therapists and Their Coping Strategies during COVID-19

Authors

  • Mishal Nadeem University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore
  • Muhammad Asim Arif
  • Aneeqa Manzoor
  • Syed Asadullah Arslan
  • Muhammad Hanan Zafar
  • Syeda Nabiha Zafar

Keywords:

COVID-19, Physical therapists, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Coping strategies

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most catastrophic events that mankind has seen in the 21st century. It imposed a massive psychological strain on every segment of the population, especially on health care providers who were and are exposed to elevated infection risks.

Objective: To assess the frequency of stress, anxiety and depression among Physical therapists and their coping strategies during COVID-19.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of 189 Physical therapists was undertaken in the 3rd COVID-19 wave during May and June. The questionnaire contained demographic information as well as inquired whether or not the respondents were contacted by COVID-19 patients at their workplace. DASS–21 was used to investigate the frequency of stress, anxiety, and depression and a 12-item checklist of the preferred coping strategies was completed by physical therapists, and results were analyzed by SPSS-21. The study was completed within 4 months.

Results: Among 189 physical therapists with a mean age of 27±3.34, 78 (41.3%) were males and 111 (58.7%) were females. Fifty (26.4%) of the participants reported moderate to severe depression levels. Fifty-seven (30.2%) reported moderate to severe anxiety levels and sixty-nine (36.5%) reported moderate to severe stress levels. The most commonly utilized coping strategy among all physical therapists was "taking protective measures (washing hands, wearing masks and measuring temp.)” during this pandemic.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have a substantial negative impact on the physiotherapist’s mental health. A significant percentage of them reported negative emotional states, despite the declining positivity ratio in COVID during the months of data collection. These results indicate that mental health should not be overlooked in the event of a pandemic, and physical therapists should be provided with psychological support, with an emphasis on effective coping strategies during this pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Physical therapists; Stress; Anxiety; Depression; Coping strategies

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Published

2023-03-11

How to Cite

1.
Nadeem M, Arif MA, Manzoor A, Arslan SA, Zafar MH, Zafar SN. Frequency of Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Pakistani Physical Therapists and Their Coping Strategies during COVID-19. J Riphah Coll. Rehabili. sci. [Internet]. 2023Mar.11 [cited 2025Aug.29];11(01). Available from: https://journals.riphah.edu.pk/index.php/jrcrs/article/view/1249

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 01 (2023): JRCRS Volume 11 Issue 1

Section

Original Articles

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