Relationship Between Menstrual Distress and Occupational Risk Factors Among Nurses: A Survey in a Public Hospital

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Women's Health
• Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

• Menstrual distress significantly impacts women's quality of life.
• Nurses face unique occupational hazards that may influence their health.
• Understanding factors contributing to menstrual distress in nurses is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of occupational hazards, anxiety, and sleep quality on menstrual distress among nurses.
• To analyze the relationships among demographic factors, anxiety, sleep quality, and menstrual distress using structural equation modeling.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed.
• Data collected via demographic questionnaire, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and occupational hazards assessment worksheet.
• Modified Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire used to measure menstrual distress.

Main Results:

• Significant associations found between menstrual distress and miscarriage history, smoking, noise, vibration, cold environments, rotating shifts, and patient handling.
• State and trait anxiety (r=0.612, p<0.001) and sleep quality (r=0.518, p<0.001) were strongly linked to menstrual distress.
• Occupational hazards and psychological factors significantly correlate with increased menstrual distress.

Conclusions:

• Adverse working conditions and occupational stress negatively impact nurses' physical and mental health, diminishing quality of life.
• Interventions targeting occupational hazards, anxiety, and sleep quality are needed to alleviate menstrual distress in nurses.
• Further research into biological mechanisms is recommended.