Dysmenorrhea among working women and its effect on their work productivity and activity impairment

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is a common condition among women of reproductive age, significantly hindering their ability to work and participate in social, family, and sports activities. In Egypt, there is limited data on the frequency of dysmenorrhea among working women and its impact on their productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among working women, its determinants, and its effect on their work productivity and activity impairment.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 548 working women aged 20 to 45 years. Data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire that included sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical information, menstrual history, job stress assessment using the workplace stress scale, and work productivity evaluation with the work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire.

The dysmenorrhea rate was 66.1%, with 64.7% of those affected reporting moderate to severe pain. Key independent predictors of dysmenorrhea include young age (≤ 32 years), working overtime or extra jobs, experiencing workplace stress, having an early menarche (< 12 years), and having a family history of dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrheic working women reported an absenteeism rate of 39.5%, a presenteeism rate of 96.1%, an overall work impairment rate of 96.4%, and a daily activity impairment rate of 94.2%. All of these rates were significantly higher in dysmenorrheic working women compared to those without the condition. Notably, the significant differences between the two groups increased with the severity of menstrual pain.

Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent issue among working women in Egypt, adversely affecting their performance at work and in daily activities. Therefore, providing workplace rest areas equipped with pain relief options, implementing flexible work schedules or menstrual leave, and encouraging dysmenorrheic working women to seek medical care for severe pain that impairs their work or daily activities are highly recommended.