PSYCHOLOGICAL MORBIDITY IN OBSTETRIC-GYNECOLOGY PATIENTS - TESTING THE NEED FOR EXPANDED PSYCHIATRY SERVICES IN OBSTETRIC-GYNECOLOGY FACILITIES

Objective: The present study set out to determine general levels of di stress, anxiety and depression in an obstetric-gynaecology inpatient p opulation and to ascertain levels of patient satisfaction with service s. Method: 200 English-speaking consecutive admissions to the hospital filled out a package of questionnaires consisting of a demographic da ta form, the 30-item General Health Questionnaire, the Speilberger Sta te-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Inventory to Diagnose Depression and a Patient Satisfaction with Services Questionnaire, 134 packages were f ully completed. Results: The most significant findings were: first, th at high levels of anxiety prevailed, with approximately 1/3 of patient s at or above the 75th percentile for anxiety levels; and second, that those patients born in non-English speaking countries were significan tly more dissatisfied with their care. Conclusions: The results of thi s study suggest that there is a need for increased awareness of and fu rther research into the psychological needs of obstetric-gynaecology p atients.