Mental Health of Residents during Obstetrics and Gynecology Training in Thailand
Katsama Prasertsiri MD*, Thitima Suntharasaj MD*, Jarurin Pitanupong MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla ** Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla
Objective : To evaluate mental health of residents during Obstetrics and Gynecology training and identify the
factors that affect mental health problems.
Materials and Methods : During January-April 2004, one hundred and sixty Obstetrics and Gynecology
residents (62% of 259) had completed a self–administered questionnaire composed of demographic data,
workload, self-report of life stressors, and the Thai Mental Health Questionnaire (TMHQ-70).
Results : The prevalence of mental health problems was 29% (46/160). Somatization and social function were
found in the first and second rank (18.1% and 11.9%), respectively. A resident who was younger than 25 years
old, was married, cared for more than 20 patients per 8 hours in the labor room, performed more than 10
academic activities per year, or attended more than 5 examinations per year was at risk to develop social
function problems.
Conclusion : About one-third of residents training in Obstetrics and Gynecology have faced mental health
problems - somatization, social function, depression and anxiety. The significant risk factors associated with
social function problems were younger age, marriage and excessive workload.
Keywords : Mental health, Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology Training
