Quality of life (QoL) and risk of burnout among physical therapy students in FEU-NRMF during the blended learning period during COVID-19 pandemic / Marianne Andrea E. Agbada, John Patrick M. Cestona, Andelyn M. Dumas, Ramil B. Mora and Francis B. Yulo.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational institutions to implement blended learning as an alternative to face-to-face instruction. This study aimed to investigate the gender and year-level differences in burnout and quality of life among Physical Therapy (PT) students in FEU-NRMF during the blended learning period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying the risks of burnout and Quality of Life (QoL) can assist the institution to establish an environment conducive to the development of coping strategies that will aid students during blended learning. A total of 169 BS Physical Therapy students from FEU-NRMF participated in this comparative study. This study used a modified questionnaire from American Public Works Association - Modified Questionnaire (APWA-MQ) by Micelle Post and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) to collect data on burnout and quality of life, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, proportion, mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics including Fisher's exact test, Independent-sample T-test, One-way ANOVA, and Turkey's HSD. The results showed that the average burnout risk score of the respondents were at 80 points (SD 16.8 points) which correspondents a high risk of burnout consisting primarily of females (60%) and a mean age of 21 (SD=1.67 years, ranging from 18 to 27). There was no statistically significant difference in the burnout risk scores between males and females (p=0.064) and the risk was consistent across year level (p=0.249). Furthermore, the respondents reported the highest level of quality of life in terms of social domain followed by environmental, physical and psychological, while male and female proved that there is statistical difference in psychological domain of quality of life (p=0.003). Moreover, there is a statistical difference in terms of physical domain of quality of life between first year students and fourth year (interns) (p=0.021). The findings of this study show that FEU-NRMF BS Physical Therapy students suffer high levels of burnout, regardless of gender and year level among. Students who are more susceptible to burnout may require targeted interventions to support and encourage their well being. On the other hand, higher year levels may be more resilient to challenges of blended learning and have a higher physical quality of life. In terms of gender, male respondent have reported a moderately better psychological quality of life as compared to females. These findings may aid in the design and implementation of an effective and suitable student support system to enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of burnout. Future research may focus on the underlying factors that contribute to gender and year level differences in burnout and quality of life among PT students who engaged in blended learning.

Thesis - School of Physical Therapy