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.