What are the coping strategies gynaecologists employ to meet with stressful situations?

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation of stress and coping strategies among gynaecologists.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah, Ganga Ram and Mayo Hospitals, Lahore, from 10th January 2014 to 30th June 2014 and comprised gynaecologists at public-sector hospital with work experience ranging from 5 to 30 years. Demographic Information Form, Perceived Stress Scale and Cope Scale were employed to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to express stress and coping strategies.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 200 respondents was 35.6±7.98 years (range: 25-59 years). Their mean experience was 15.5±2.65 years (range: 5 to 27 years). Overall, 52(26%) were experiencing mild stress, 82(41%) moderate stress and 66(33%) severe stress. Significant positive correlation was found of stress with problem-focused coping strategies like active coping, planning, instrumental social support, acceptance and positive reframing (p<0.05 each), and demographic factors like age, marital status, monthly income, working shifts, number of dependents, working hours, nature of job and family system (p<0.05 each)gynaecologist. Active coping, planning, instrumental social support, acceptance and positive reframing (p<0.05 each) were significant predicting strategies of stress. Monthly income, working shifts, working hours and nature of job (p<0.05 each) were significant predictors of stress among gynaecologists.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings will contribute to knowledge about coping strategies employed by gynaecologists and variables that predict stress among gynaecologists.