The impact of premenstrual disorders on work disruptions among working women: A cross-sectional study

Background: Physical and emotional manifestations of premenstrual disorder cause increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and decreased work-related quality of life. Objective: Due to the relatively high prevalence of premenstrual disorders in Iran and limited studies on its work-related problems, this study investigated the relationship between premenstrual disorders and work performance in working women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۳۵۸ working women (teachers and industrial workers) in Yazd, Iran, from July ۲۰۱۹ to January ۲۰۲۰. Data were collected using premenstrual symptom screening tool, the work productivity and activity impairment (a modified version), and functional work capacity questionnaires. Women were classified into ۲ groups: women with and without premenstrual disorders. Productivity, functional capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living were compared between groups. Results: Among ۳۵۸ participants, ۱۲۱ women (۳۳.۸%) had premenstrual disorders. The prevalence of premenstrual disorders was significantly higher in teachers than workers (۰.۴۱% vs. ۲۴.۷%, respectively) (p = ۰.۰۰۲). The work results showed a worse score in the group with premenstrual disorder than the other group and teachers compared to workers (p < ۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: This study showed a significant association between premenstrual disorders and worse work productivity, functional work capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Teachers had a higher prevalence of premenstrual disorders and worse work performance than workers, which can be due to higher education levels, work stress, more complex tasks, and increased work responsibility in teachers.

Keywords:

Premenstrual syndrome , Premenstrual dysphoric disorder , Work performance , Working women , Productivity. , سندرم پیش از قاعدگی , اختلال پیش از قاعدگی , عملکرد کاری , زنان شاغل , بهره­وری.