Mental health amongst obstetrics and gynaecology doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a UK-wide study

Abstract

To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Study design: A cross-section survey-based study amongst doctors working within Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the United Kingdom. Results: A total of 207 doctors completed the survey. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists reported significantly higher rates of both Major Depressive Disorder (versus, p = 0.023) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (versus, p = 0.044) as compared to the UK-wide estimates. Subgroup analysis showed that anxiety was more common amongst female doctors as compared to males (versus, p = 0.047). Although the prevalence of GAD was higher amongst registrars compared to their Consultant and/or Senior House Officer counterparts, this was not statistically significant. Respondents felt that the most significant factor for work-related changes to mental health was keeping up to date with frequently changing guidelines and protocols related to COVID-19. Only of respondents felt able to talk to colleagues about their mental health. Conclusions: Key findings include the high prevalence of mental health conditions amongst doctors, demonstration of the persistent taboo that mental health carries within the speciality and the key contributory factors to poor mental health. Further work should be done to assess if changes to the way new and updating guidelines, protocols and pathways are disseminated reduces the impact on the mental health of doctors. With the threat of a second COVID-19 peak looming, now more than ever, it is vital that steps are taken to break the stigmatisation of mental health amongst doctors, encouraging doctors to seek help when required.

COVID-19 and Obstetrical Care: Coping With New Stress

“…We also found a significantly higher prevalence of all levels of depression, anxiety, and stress as well as insomnia among COVID-19 caregivers in our department, which is consistent with other studies [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 9 - 12 , 13 , 15 ]. From our findings, we presume that COVID-19 HCWs in other emergency departments are also highly susceptible to all psychiatric symptoms during the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.…”

“…A study assessing mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic among obstetricians and gynaecologists concluded that they experience significantly higher rates of both major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder compared to the UK-nationwide estimates. The subgroup analysis showed that anxiety was more common among female doctors compared to males [ 4 ]. Uzun et al also found poorer mental health in COVID-19 employees in the obstetrics and gynaecology department [ 5 ].…”

“…These studies also inferred that social support reduces anxiety and stress and improves sleep quality among COVID-19 HCWs [ 9 - 10 , 21 ]. Shah et al found that the most significant stressor among obstetricians was associated with being up-to-date with rapidly changing guidelines, pathways, and protocols related to COVID-19 practice [ 4 ]. However, thanks to multiple training sessions at our institute, we did not face this problem.…”

“…Participants not on any psychotropic medications. 4. Participants involved in the care of obstetrical patients.…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and there has been a significant rise in infections among both the general public and healthcare workers (HCWs) since then [ 1 - 3 ]. The specialties like obstetrics and gynaecology are managing COVID-19 pregnancies by only limited evidence-based protocols [ 4 ]. In general, outpatient care has been put on hold by other specialties, but such an approach is not feasible in obstetrics.…”