Association of Academic Burnout with Emotional Distress and Coping Mechanisms in Physical Therapy Students of Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The prevalence of emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress, among students in healthcare-related fields is a growing concern. Frequently, this distress intensifies into burnout, which has a serious negative influence on their physical and mental health in addition to their academic performance. Objective: To investigate the association of academic burnout with emotional distress and coping mechanisms among physical therapy students. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, data were gathered from Undergraduate Physical Therapy students from different medical schools and institutions located in Karachi, Pakistan. Software from Rao Soft was used to determine the sample size. With a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence range, 120 was the estimated sample size, by using non-probability convenience sampling. Students who did not fill out the questionnaire were excluded. First-informed consent was obtained from each participant. The purpose and procedure of the study were explained to them, and questionnaires were distributed. Permission was obtained from The Institutional Ethical Review Board. The confidentiality of the data was maintained, and the identity of the participants was not revealed. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Chi-square, and t-test were used for analysis. Permission was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee and Review Board. All participants completed self-report surveys that included demographic questions. One-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the sixteen-item Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-School, and the list of coping activities adapted from Glaise Anne H. et al. study in 2018 to identify the type and frequency of coping behaviours used by the students for self-care. Results: In this study of physical therapy students, stress levels showed 58.3% with normal stress, but 17.5% experienced moderate, and 13.3% severe to extremely severe stress. Anxiety and depression were also prominent, with 25% reporting extremely severe anxiety and 9.2% severe depression. Significant correlations were found between stress and anxiety (r=0.747), and stress and depression (r=0.649), indicating strong interconnections among these factors. Conclusion: The mental health assessment showed significant levels of burnout among the students. There is a significant relationship between stress, anxiety, and depression, and points towards the need for multifaceted approaches in supporting student well-being and mental health.