BURNOUT AMONG POSTGRADUATE PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS IN URBAN BENGALURU: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Burnout is an increasing concern among students pursuing demanding healthcare programmes, particularly those who must balance academic responsibilities, clinical training, and personal commitments. Postgraduate physiotherapy students experience several challenges, including intensive coursework, clinical placements, patient responsibilities, academic assessments, and expectations related to professional development. Continuous exposure to these demands may contribute to emotional exhaustion, academic disengagement, and reduced personal accomplishment.

This review examines the existing literature on burnout, academic stress, and psychological well-being among postgraduate physiotherapy students, with particular relevance to the context of Urban Bengaluru. It draws on research involving physiotherapy students, postgraduate healthcare students, medical students, and practicing physiotherapists to understand the factors associated with burnout. The review also examines the role of resilience, coping mechanisms, social support, workload, and clinical learning environments influencing student well-being.

The available literature indicates that academic workload, clinical responsibilities, time pressure, sleep difficulties, and inadequate support are important factors associated with student distress. Although studies from India and other countries provide useful evidence, research specifically examining burnout among postgraduate physiotherapy students in Urban Bengaluru remains limited. The review therefore highlights the need for context-specific research and appropriate institutional support systems to promote students' psychological well-being.