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.


METHODS
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.
Phillips
N
N
Mercy Hospital for Women, East Melbourne, Victoria.
Dennerstein
L
L
Farish
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011594:Psychometrics; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology; D000078329:Workforce