Stress, anxiety, and depression in professional graduate students during COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The mental health of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), and Doctorate of Occupation Therapy (OTD) students was impacted by the COVID- 19 pandemic. The investigators explored the impact of the pandemic on the students’ mental health. Methods The study included 90 students from the DPT, MOT, and OTD programs. The data was collected using a survey including demographics and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Results The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression increased two-fold in all three disciplines of students. Out of the 90 students, 60% reported stress, 52.2% anxiety, and 53.3% depression. No significant difference was observed between genders, marital status, and the different disciplines. Conclusion This study shows that graduate DPT, MOT, and OTD students experienced a significant degree of mental health disorder during the pandemic. Adequate measures need to be adopted to support the well-being of the students and for a successful academic career. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a change in graduate education such as methods of teaching, practical learning strategies, and evaluation techniques. Changes in education methods resulted in a higher prevalence of mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and depression in students and the general population. DASS-21 is a reliable and valid scale to measure stress, anxiety, and depression. What this topic adds: (1) This study explored mental health issues in physical therapy and occupational therapy profession graduate students in the United States. (2) It recognized a two-fold increase in stress, anxiety, and depression in graduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (3) This study documented no difference in perceived stress, anxiety, and depression between the Flex program and residential program as well as DPT, MOT, and OTD students.