Methods:
We performed a cross-sectional, survey-based study of doctors working in
the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology across all UK Hospitals. Surveys
were distributed to doctors via a number of methods. This included
handing the survey over to all UK deaneries to disseminate to their
trainees, directly emailing doctors to circulate amongst their hospitals
and via social media. It was made clear to the respondents that the
participation was voluntary and that responses would be anonymous.
Informed consent was implied on the return of the survey.
The survey was created in collaboration with both Obstetrics and
Gynaecology and Psychiatry doctors. Surveyed information included
demographics, history of past mental health conditions requiring
treatment, screening for current symptoms of depression and anxiety, the
significance of contributory factors and the effects of mental health on
workplace behaviour. Screening for major depressive disorders and
generalised anxiety disorders were performed using the GAD-2 and PHQ-2
questionnaires. A GAD-2 score of 3 or more was interpreted as likely
generalised anxiety disorder (sensitivity 86%, specificity
83%).11Skapinakis P. The 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder
scale had high sensitivity and specificity for detecting GAD in
primary care. Evid Based Med . 2007;12(5):149.
doi:10.1136/ebm.12.5.149 A PHQ-2 score of 3 or more was interpreted
as likely major depressive disorder (sensitivity 82.9%, specificity
90%).22Arroll B, Goodyear-Smith F, Crengle S, et al. Validation
of PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 to screen for major depression in the primary care
population. Ann Fam Med . 2010;8(4):348‐353.
doi:10.1370/afm.1139 For the survey to be accepted, all questions had
to be answered.