Factors Associated with Psychiatric Morbidity in Female Medical Doctors in Kwara State, North- Central, Nigeria

Introduction: The female doctor apart from being affected by the same variables that impose stress on the general population is also prone to stress because of the peculiarities of medical practice and the socio-cultural demands on them by virtue of their gender.

Objectives: This study was aimed at assessing the personal, work-stress as well as family related factors in female doctors associated with psychiatric morbidity in female doctors in Kwara state.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving female medical doctors in Ilorin, Kwara State, North-Central, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to the Members of the state Chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) who were present at the general and scientific meeting of the association held in Kwara state in June 2018. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire designed to assess biodata, personal history, work related stress, family related history and self-care history of the participants as well as the 12 item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) was distributed to 80 participants that consented.

Results: The prevalence of 23.8% psychiatric morbidity found. Age, relationship with co-workers, feelings of frustration and anger at work, reconsidering a change in work environment, views of negative effect of stress on work as well as access to a maternity leave were found to be associated with psychiatric mobility.

Conclusions: These findings underline the need to pay attention to the welfare of female doctors and a need for routine evaluation, early identification and prompt intervention as well as support.