Psychological Morbidity in Obstetric-Gynaecology Patients: Testing the Need for Expanded Psychiatry Services in Obstetric-Gynaecology Facilities

Objective: The present study set out to determine general levels of distress, anxiety and depression in an obstetric-gynaecology inpatient population and to ascertain levels of patient satisfaction with services.

Method: 200 English-speaking consecutive admissions to the hospital filled out a package of questionnaires consisting of a demographic data form, the 30-item General Health Questionnaire, the Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Inventory to Diagnose Depression and a Patient Satisfaction with Services Questionnaire. 134 packages were fully completed.

Results: The most significant findings were: first, that high levels of anxiety prevailed, with approximately 1/3 of patients at or above the 75th percentile for anxiety levels; and second, that those patients born in non-English speaking countries were significantly more dissatisfied with their care.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that there is a need for increased awareness of and further research into the psychological needs of obstetric-gynaecology patients.