Factors associated with mental health burdens in physical therapists during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

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 effects induces psychological exhaustion. There is still a lack of research targeting the mental health of Physical Therapists (PTs), 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 effectiveness. 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.