PREVALENCE OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN NON-PRACTICING FEMALE DOCTORS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in non-practicing female doctors of Pakistan and the factors associated with it.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College. A self-administered questionnaire with demographic details and questions related to the objectives of the study was used to collect data via online social media platforms, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale were used for screening.

Results: 384 doctors included. Mean (±SD) age of participants was 33.6(7.8) years. Anxiety was more prominent among non-practicing female doctors (prevalence = 73.9%, p-value <0.01). 272 doctors had depression (70.8%, p-value: <0.04).  Chi-square statistic applied for correlation analysis. Both married and lived single participants had high rates of depression. 94.01% completed their house job. A large number of participants (n=186, 48.44%) did not acquire any postgraduate qualification. A significant correlation between the prevalence of anxiety/depression and time lag from medical practice was found (p-value <0.005). The highest prevalence of depression was noted for women who had a break of 5 to 15 years from medical practice (74.22%).

Lack of childcare facilities in the hospital, moving abroad and the heavy working hours were the reported barriers to practice. Arranging childcare facilities in the hospital among other suggestions were proposed by the non-practicing female doctors to overcome this problem.

Conclusion: The alarming rates of anxiety and depression point to the urgent need for potential policy changes to prevent this catastrophe.