The Psychological Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Physical Therapists In Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Distress Levels And Lived Experiences

Abstract

Objective: To examine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical therapists in Saudi Arabia, focusing on distress prevalence and lived experiences.

Study Design: Sequential explanatory mixed-methods study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Saudi Arabia, from March 17th and July 26th 2021.

Methodology: In Phase 1, a cross-sectional online survey using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was completed by 132 physical therapists. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA compared mean scores across gender, job title, and COVID-19 patient contact. In Phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 purposively selected respondents. Interview data were analyzed thematically to provide explanatory depth.

Results: Quantitative findings revealed significant psychological distress. Female therapists reported higher stress scores than males (p=0.001). Those with direct COVID-19 patient contact showed higher anxiety scores (p<0.001). Depression varied significantly across job titles (p=0.004), with interns reporting higher levels than senior physiotherapists (p=0.005). Qualitative analysis yielded four themes: (1) fear of transmission and family burden, (2) systemic pressure and shifting roles, (3) professional identity crisis and skill devaluation, and (4) isolation and search for support.

Conclusion: The pandemic had a profound psychological impact on physical therapists in Saudi Arabia, disproportionately affecting females, frontline providers, and less experienced professionals. Targeted and systemic institutional support is required to protect the mental well-being of rehabilitation professionals during public health crises.