Prevalence of psychological symptoms and their correlates among physiotherapy clinical students: A cross-sectional study.
Abdulsalam M Yakasai, Gordana Dermody, Sonill S Maharaj and 4 others
PMID 36483133WHAT IT FOUND
Most physiotherapy students in Nigeria reported symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress.
Financial worries, social isolation and fear of failing were linked to these symptoms. This is a screening survey, not a diagnostic study, so it cannot confirm clinical disorders.
Key findings
01The point prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among the students was 79.9%, 85.6% and 81.6%, respectively.
02Financial status and social life were correlated with depression, while fear of failing a class was correlated with anxiety.
03Fear of failing a class influenced anxiety by eight times (OR 8.330) and influenced stress by eight times (OR 8.360).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The cross-sectional design prevents establishing cause and effect relationships. The study relied on self-reported data, which is subject to reporting bias. The DASS-42 is a screening tool and cannot diagnose psychological disorders. Convenience sampling was used, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to all physiotherapy students. The study was conducted in pre-COVID-19 era, so current stress levels may differ.
Declared interests
No specific funding sources or conflicts of interest were declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the high prevalence rates as confirmed diagnoses of depression, anxiety, or stress. The DASS-42 is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool, and the cross-sectional design cannot prove that the identified correlates caused the symptoms.