Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and their Associated Factors among Iranian Physical Therapists during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Onlinebased Cross-sectional Survey

Most physiotherapy treatments require direct contact with patients, which could predispose physical therapists to the transmission of infection. The present study aimed to investigate the depression, anxiety, and stress of physical therapists during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was applied during the pandemic. The survey was completed by 135 physical therapists working in Iran. The depression-anxiety and stress scale 21 (DASS-21) was used to evaluate their depression, anxiety, and stress statuses. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify the demographic characteristics factors related to depression, anxiety, and stress.

The results showed that 43.7%, 43.8%, and 54.8% of physical therapists had severe and very severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In addition, female physical therapists had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The level of anxiety was higher in physical therapists working in hospitals and those with more work experience.

Our findings indicated that COVID-19 resulted in high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in Iranian physical therapists. Therefore, the mental health of physical therapists should be regularly monitored, and the proper support and training in coping strategies should be provided for them.