Abstract:
Introduction. It has been a long time since the emergence of COVID-19 in China and its spread worldwide. Vaccines are a promising solution to overcome COVID-19 infection. Still, vaccine hesitancy is the only barrier to controlling the pandemic, as thinking
about its side eDects induces psychological exhaustion. There is still a lack of research targeting the mental health of Physical
Therapists (PTsO, especially during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the study’s main aim was to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia and identify risk factors that influence anxiety and depression.
Methods. A cross-sectional online survey via anonymous questionnaires and questions about socio-demographic information
was launched on social media in the second half of February 2021.
Results. Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia was 42.7%, 50.10%, and 89.30%, respectively, among physical therapists. Common factors that induce anxiety and depression were having children and needing psychological support. Other risk
factors for anxiety only were working in a quarantine hospital, being infected with COVID-19, self-isolation after return from the
hospital, and hesitance about vaccine eDectiveness. Treating COVID-19 patients and having a family member who had died from
COVID-19 were risk factors for depression. Consulting a psychiatrist reduced this risk of depression.
Conclusions. Elevated mental health disturbances triggered the alarm for urgent psychological rehabilitation to prevent the
failure of health care systems in this critical period. Additionally, fighting the anti-vaccine movement should be a priority along
with enhancing telerehabilitation programs in hospitals.
