Burnout, sleep quality, and resilience among physical therapy students at Taif University: a cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Ibrahim Aljulaymi Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
  • Joud Alzaidi Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
  • Jouri Alghamedi Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
  • Nawal Alzahrani Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
  • Ruba Aljuaid Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
  • Seham Albejali Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
  • Doaa Ibrahim Omar Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
  • Ibrahim Dewir Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.

Keywords:

Burnout, Resilience, Sleep Quality, Physical Therapy Students, Emotional Exhaustion

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of burnout, sleep disturbances, and resilience among PT students at Taif University, and to examine the interrelationships among these variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 170 PT students (mean age = 21.29±1.38 years; 58.8% female) using validated Arabic versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The majority of students (79.4%) reported poor sleep quality (mean PSQI = 7.68±3.45), and 32.4% displayed low resilience. High levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were reported by 43.5% and 24.7% of students, respectively, while 82.9% had low personal accomplishment scores. Female students, third-year students, and those with chronic illnesses experienced significantly higher levels of burnout and poorer sleep quality. Resilience was notably lower among females and students with chronic conditions. Burnout was positively correlated with poor sleep quality (r=.449, p<.001) and negatively correlated with resilience (r=–.320, p<.001), while resilience was inversely associated with poor sleep quality (r=–.283, p<.001). Burnout and sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among PT students at Taif University, with resilience emerging as a protective factor. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions such as resilience training, stress management, and sleep hygiene programs to enhance student well-being and academic performance.

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Published

22-09-2026

How to Cite

Aljulaymi, I., Alzaidi, J., Alghamedi, J., Alzahrani, N., Aljuaid, R., Albejali, S., … Dewir, I. (2026). Burnout, sleep quality, and resilience among physical therapy students at Taif University: a cross-sectional study. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 84. Retrieved from https://sportk.eu/article/view/388

Issue

Vol. 15 (2026)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ibrahim Aljulaymi, Joud Alzaidi, Jouri Alghamedi, Nawal Alzahrani, Ruba Aljuaid, Seham Albejali, Doaa Ibrahim Omar, Ibrahim Dewir

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