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

NCT07066787 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: EGPHYSIO-SC-001
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 106
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Somatic Disorders; Psychologic; Public Health

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

  assess depressive symptoms

  7 days

• Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15)

  assess the severity and frequency of somatic symptoms.

  7 days

Interventions

psychological group BEHAVIORAL

fill the psychological section

somatic DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

fill the somatic section

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 19 Years - 24 Years
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of undergraduate physical therapy students currently enrolled in Egyptian universities, both public and private. Participants were between 19 and 24 years of age and represented various academic levels and geographic regions across Egypt. All participants were required to have the ability to read and understand Arabic or English, and to provide informed consent prior to participation. The population was selected to reflect the typical demographic and academic profile of physical therapy students in Egypt, aiming to provide insights into the mental and physical health challenges they face during their education.

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Eg Physio

Giza, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Diploidy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Ploidies; Genetic Phenomena

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: ECOLOGIC OR COMMUNITY
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Target Duration: 7 Days
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Researcher

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 4, 2025
• First Posted: July 15, 2025
• Study Start: February 8, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 15, 2025
• Study Completion: July 2, 2025
• Last Updated: July 15, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)