Patterns of child-bearing behaviour amongst female hospital doctors and GPs.
BACKGROUND
The number of females entering and graduating from medical school is currently increasing and, as a result, the problems they face if they wish to work as doctors and have a family are becoming more apparent.


METHODS
A questionnaire study of 105 female GPs and 98 female hospital doctors was carried out in Birmingham, UK, to determine doctors' experiences and views of child-bearing whilst working as a doctor.


RESULTS
Of the GP responders, 81% had children compared with 49% of hospital doctors. GPs were shown to work fewer hours than hospital doctors. Problems were identified relating to the everyday difficulties faced whilst working and raising a family.


CONCLUSIONS
The results highlight the need to address the difficulties faced by females pursuing this demanding career.
Sinden
N J
NJ
Department of Primary Care and General Practice, Primary Care Clinical Sciences Building, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Sherriff
J M
JM
Westmore
S E L
SE
Greenfield
S M
SM
Allan
T F
TF
D002322:Career Mobility; D002648:Child; D002668:Child Rearing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology