TY - JOUR

T1 - The influence of endometriosis-related symptoms on work life and work ability

T2 - a study of Danish endometriosis patients in employment

AU - Schultz, Rikke

N1 - Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

PY - 2013/7

Y1 - 2013/7

N2 - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the implications of endometriosis on women's work life. This study aimed at examining the relation between endometriosis-related symptoms and work ability in employed women with endometriosis.STUDY DESIGN: In a cohort study, 610 patients with diagnosed endometriosis and 751 reference women completed an electronic survey based on the Endometriosis Health Profile 30-questionnaire and the Work Ability Index (short form). Percentages were reported for all data. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess risk factors for low work ability. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.025 in all analyses.RESULTS: In binary analyses a diagnosis of endometriosis was associated with more sick days, work disturbances due to symptoms, lower work ability and a wide number of other implications on work life in employed women. Moreover, a higher pain level and degree of symptoms were associated with low work ability. Full regression analysis indicated that tiredness, frequent pain, a higher daily pain level, a higher number of sick days and feeling depressed at work were associated with low work ability. A long delay from symptom onset to diagnosis was associated with low work ability.CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate a severe impact of endometriosis on the work ability of employed women with endometriosis and add to the evidence that this disease represents a significant socio-economic burden.

AB - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the implications of endometriosis on women's work life. This study aimed at examining the relation between endometriosis-related symptoms and work ability in employed women with endometriosis.STUDY DESIGN: In a cohort study, 610 patients with diagnosed endometriosis and 751 reference women completed an electronic survey based on the Endometriosis Health Profile 30-questionnaire and the Work Ability Index (short form). Percentages were reported for all data. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess risk factors for low work ability. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.025 in all analyses.RESULTS: In binary analyses a diagnosis of endometriosis was associated with more sick days, work disturbances due to symptoms, lower work ability and a wide number of other implications on work life in employed women. Moreover, a higher pain level and degree of symptoms were associated with low work ability. Full regression analysis indicated that tiredness, frequent pain, a higher daily pain level, a higher number of sick days and feeling depressed at work were associated with low work ability. A long delay from symptom onset to diagnosis was associated with low work ability.CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate a severe impact of endometriosis on the work ability of employed women with endometriosis and add to the evidence that this disease represents a significant socio-economic burden.

KW - Adolescent

KW - Adult

KW - Case-Control Studies

KW - Cohort Studies

KW - Comorbidity

KW - Delayed Diagnosis

KW - Denmark

KW - Employment

KW - Endometriosis

KW - Female

KW - Humans

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Multivariate Analysis

KW - Quality of Life

KW - Work

KW - Young Adult

KW - Journal Article

U2 - 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.03.008

DO - 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.03.008

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 23537616

VL - 169

SP - 331

EP - 339

JO - European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

JF - European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

SN - 0301-2115

IS - 2

ER -