Factors associated with Brazilian physical therapists’ perception of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the stress perception among Brazilian physical therapists (PTs) during COVID-19 pandemic and to identify which psychosocial demands, sociodemographic, professional and clinical factors do associate with the PTs’ stress perception. This cross-sectional survey was based on a convenience sample of PTs, who answered a questionnaire about: 1) sociodemographic and professional characteristics, 2) clinical characteristics and information related to COVID-19, 3) psychosocial demands, and 4) 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Full responses were obtained from 417 PTs. The average PSS-10 score was 19.2 (95% CI 18.5 to 19.9), which was higher than in other Brazilians before COVID-19 and figured among the highest one observed in healthcare workers from different countries during COVID-19 pandemic. After multivariate analysis, PTs’ perceived stress remained associated with female sex, younger age, previous diagnosis of depressive or anxiety disorder, worsening in sleep patterns, large reduction in family income, housework, relationship with the partner, concern about close people/family members being infected by SARS-CoV-2, and loneliness.