The level of perceived stress, burnout, self-efficacy, and coping strategies among physiotherapy academicians during the COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, academicians were juggling their personal and professional life amid lockdown while trying to deliver maximum knowledge through online classes. This chronic stress is emotionally draining and can eventually lead to burnout. OBJECTIVE: To examine the levels of perceived stress and burnout and examine the effects of self-efficacy and coping in reducing stress and preventing burnout in academicians during the COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: This survey included 63 physiotherapy academicians from various physiotherapy colleges in India. Assessments used to collect data were the Perceived Stress Scale, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. The data was collected through Google Forms and sent through an online mode via various social media apps. RESULTS: This study revealed that the majority of the physiotherapy academicians were experiencing moderate levels of stress eventually leading to burnout. Stress levels were higher in academicians with more than 10 years of experience. Also, self-efficacy and resilient coping were negatively correlated with perceived stress and burnout. CONCLUSION: Academicians experienced increasing amounts of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, if not addressed on time, can lead to job burnout.