Self-Perceived Well-being Among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students in the United States in 2022 Compared to 2021

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore well-being in a cohort of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in 2022, and compare factors related to well-being to a cohort of DPT students from 2021. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study combined data from a self-administered survey of participants who had participated in a well-being survey in 2021 (and agreed to be contacted for follow-up one year later) with survey data from first year DPT students during the fall of 2022. The survey included the WHO-5 Well-being Index, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, the Brief Resiliency Scale, and an array of questions about factors related to well-being. Results: A total of 283 respondents were re-contacted and still enrolled in a DPT program in the United States in 2022. These data were coupled with data from 362 first-year DPT students to define a 2022 cohort. Well-being correlated positively with resilience and negatively with stress (p <0.001). Regression modeling found that negative predictors of well-being included being a parent (p <0.001), higher anticipated student debt (p <0.05), food insecurity (p <0.001), and being a first-generation college student (p <0.05). Being physically active was a positive predictor of well-being (p <0.001). Conclusion: Factors related to well-being in a 2022 cohort of DPT students were consistent with findings from a 2021 cohort of DPT students. In both cohorts, stress negatively correlated with well-being, while resilience positively correlated with well-being. Modifiable factors including physical activity and food security were predictors of well-being in both cohorts. Given the findings from two consecutive cohorts of DPT students, DPT programs should consider the promotion of physical activity, stress management, resilience building opportunities, and mitigation of food insecurity to facilitate student well-being.