COVID-19 Effects on Well-being and Academic Performance in Physical Therapy Graduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: This study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts sleep, fatigue, and academic performance in graduate students, including those in physical therapy programs, to guide support strategies during these challenging times. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Russell Sage College. Participants provided demographic information and reported their COVID-19 infection status, sleep quality, fatigue levels, and self-reported GPA. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and academic performance was assessed via grade point average (GPA). Given the limited sample size, data analysis utilized non-parametric tests, including the Mann-Whitney and Spearman's Rho tests. Results: Sixty-two graduate students participated in the study, with 31 reporting a history of COVID-19 infection. Results showed no significant difference in sleep quality, fatigue, or GPA between students with and without a COVID-19 diagnosis. However, students with a COVID-19 diagnosis reported slightly higher scores than those without on the PSQI (7.39 vs. 6.91) and FAS general fatigue (26.17 vs. 24.17), and slightly lower GPA (3.67 vs. 3.7), although these differences were not statistically significant. The study also found a negative association between GPA and overall fatigue (r=-0.449; P=0.028) and mental fatigue (r=-0.422; P=0.04) in students with a COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: This study suggests COVID-19 may affect fatigue levels in grad students, possibly impacting academic performance. Larger studies are needed for confirmation. Physical therapy students face challenges like disrupted sleep, heightened fatigue, and academic setbacks. Educators can adjust teaching methods to support students better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]