Anxiety and depression levels among obstetrics and gynecology physicians in the management of HPV-positive patients

Aims: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted viral infections, particularly associated with cervical cancer, other anogenital and oropharyngeal malignancies. HPV diagnosis is a significant factor that can affect the mental health of women, yet its psychological effects on physicians remain inadequately explored. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential psychological impact of managing HPV-positive patients among obstetricians and gynecologists, considering not only the medical burden but also the substantial psychosocial and occupational pressures involved. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 (100 for gynecology specialist, 100 for resident) participants who had presented between from March 10 to 18, 2025 at İstanbul Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital. The levels of anxiety and depression among specialists and residents in obstetrics and gynecology were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data also included age at marriage status, being children, HPV vaccine, place of work, and place of graduation. Results: The overall mean age was 33.1±7.4 years (25 to 65). Median years of resident and specialist were 3 (1-4) and 4 (1-26). The degrees of anxiety were similar with respect to marriage status, being specialist or resident, children, place of graduation, place of work, place of specialization, and HPV vaccine (p>0.05). The degrees of depression were similar in terms to marriage status, children, place of work, place of specialization, and HPV vaccine (p>0.05). However, severe, mild, and moderate depression were significantly higher among resident participants than among specialist participants (p