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 range19 Years – 24 Years

SexALL

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.

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