Impaired work performance among women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the work impact of symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs).


METHODS
A cohort study compared 58 employed women with symptomatic UFs to 56 healthy controls. Data sources included a self-administered mail questionnaire and medical charts. At-work performance limitations and productivity loss were measured with the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate case-control group differences were tested.


RESULTS
Based on adjusted mean scores, the UF group had significantly more at-work limitations and productivity loss than controls, while absence rates were similar. The UF group's performance was impaired 18% of the time on average versus 8% for controls (P-values, 0.005-0.040). At-work limitations were explained by depression symptoms, Non-White race/ethnicity, and poorer health-related quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibroids and related symptoms impose a burden on the working lives' of women, their employers, and the economy.
Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts School of Medicine and the Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA. dlerner@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Debra
D
Lerner
Fadi G
FG
Mirza
Fadi
F
Mirza
Hong
H
Chang
Karen
K
Renzulli
Katherine
K
Perch
David
D
Chelmow
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult