International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 1 (January-February 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of February to publish your research paper in the issue of January-February.

Prevalence of Psychological Distress In Physiotherapy Interns

Author(s) Dr. Amber Jamaal, Elisabeth Alexon, Prof. A. K. Vijay Krishna Kuma
Country India
Abstract Background:
Psychological distress characterized by symptoms of depression, anxiety, and physiological manifestations such as fatigue and sleep disturbances is increasingly recognized as a significant concern among health care trainees. Physiotherapy interns are particularly susceptible due to the transition from academic learning to intensive clinical responsibilities, heightened performance expectations, and uncertainties regarding professional competence and future employment. Understanding the burden of distress in this group is essential for guiding support strategies during their training period.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of psychological distress among physiotherapy interns.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 122 physiotherapy interns including both male and females within the age range of 22-26 years. Participants completed the self-administered DASS-42 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 20.0. Interns who consented to participate were included, while those on psychiatric treatment or those who provided incomplete responses were excluded.

Results:
The findings demonstrated that psychological distress was prevalent at moderate to severe levels among physiotherapy interns. Gender-based analysis indicated that female interns exhibited predominantly severe distress profiles, whereas male interns reported mild to moderate levels. Age-wise distribution revealed that interns aged 22–24 years showed the highest burden of distress across the DASS domains.
Conclusion:
Psychological distress is notably high among physiotherapy interns, with greater severity observed in females and in interns at the younger end of the internship age range. These findings underscore the need for early screening, structured mental-health support systems, and interventions aimed at promoting emotional resilience during internship training.
Keywords: Psychological distress, Physiotherapy interns, DASS-42, Mental health, Prevalence
Keywords Keywords: Psychological distress, Physiotherapy interns, DASS-42, Mental health, Prevalence
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-01-08
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.66077
Short DOI https://doi.org/hbjmkx

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