CompletedNot Applicable

Somatic Symptoms and Depression in Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Egypt106 participantsStarted 2025-02-08

Plain-language summary

This cross-sectional, community-based study aimed to investigate the association between depression and somatic symptoms among physical therapy students in Egypt. Using validated tools-the PHQ-9 for depression and PHQ-15 for somatic symptoms-data were collected from undergraduate students through an online questionnaire distributed via social media. The study included students aged 19 to 24 from various Egyptian governorates. Results revealed a notable correlation between depressive symptoms and the severity of physical complaints, highlighting the need for increased mental health support and early screening strategies within physical therapy education programs.

Who can participate

Age range

19 Years – 24 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Medical students currently enrolled in Egyptian universities (public or private). * Aged between 19 and 24 years. * Able to read and understand Arabic or English. * Provided informed consent to participate in the study. * Completed all sections of the online questionnaire. Exclusion Criteria: * Students previously diagnosed with a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). * Students with chronic physical illnesses that may independently cause somatic symptoms (e.g., fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease). * Incomplete or duplicate responses to the online questionnaire. Participants who declined to provide informed consent.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

Timeframe: 7 days

Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15)

Timeframe: 7 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07066787

SponsorCairo University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-02-15

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