[Perimenstrual complaints--is this a problem to be handled by occupational medicine physicians].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to define associations between intensity of perimenstrual complaints, the type of job performed and working conditions, taking also account of non-occupational factors. The study preceding the development of a preventive program was carried out in a group of women employed in work settings different in the character and burden of adverse agents.


METHODS
The group was composed of 142 women, aged 21-45 years, employed in a cosmetics manufacture plant (27%) and a bank (27%), as well as of hospital and ambulatory nurses and auxiliary personnel (50%). A questionnaire on premenstrual and menstrual complaints, working conditions, characteristics of the women and their household duties load was the main tool of the study.


RESULTS
The study revealed that about 80% of women experienced premenstrual and about 75% menstrual symptoms, which were strongly intensified in 40% of women. After applying logistic regression, it was found that physical workload and occupational stress were the major occupational risk factors, whereas chronic diseases, age, household duties load and alcohol consumption were the major non-occupational risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The evidenced relationship between complaints and adverse agents typical of the job performed should prompt occupational medicine physicians to more comprehensive analysis of individual jobs in view of reducing occupational load.
Makowiec-Dabrowska
Teresa
T
Zakładu Fizjologii Pracy i Ergonomii Instytut Medycyny Pracy im prof. J. Nofera w Łodzi. tmd@imp.lodz.pl
Sprusińska
Elzbieta
E
Hanke
Wojciech
W
Radwan-Włodarczyk
Zyta
Z
Koszada-Włodarczyk
Wiesława
W
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000639:trends; D010819:Physician's Role; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload