Factors affecting job stress among physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Physical therapists (PTs), like other healthcare professionals, are susceptible to job stress when involved in patient care, and several factors contribute to it. Therefore, this study aims to assess PTs’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) adopted by PTs during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their job stress. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. 300 PTs from the government and private healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia were randomly picked and invited to participate. Data were collected using a pre-tested content-validated KAP tool using a Google Form between January and March 2022. Data were analyzed quantitively through SPSS 24.0. Results: The findings revealed that 85% of PTs whose job involves direct contact with the patients are susceptible to higher stress (perceived stress score [PSS]=22.82) than others. Specifically, female and unmarried PTs are prone to more job stress than others (p<0.05). In addition, PTs who were apprehensive about managing COVID-19 patients and worried about acquiring COVID-19 disease are prone to more job stress. Lastly, 89% of PTs who adopted the practice of wearing N-95 masks and proper handwashing techniques (>80%) experience less stress than others (p<0.05). Conclusion: The KAP of PTs influences job stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. PTs with sufficient knowledge about measures to adopt, show a positive attitude, and practice wearing proper PPEs, handwashing procedures, and waste disposal systems during patient care are prone to less job stress than others.