Gynecologic pain related to occupational stress among female factory workers in Tianjin, China. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sznajder, Kristin K.; Harlow, Siobán D.; Burgard, Sarah A.; Wang, Yanrang; Han, Cheng; Liu, Jing
• Is Part Of: International journal of occupational and environmental health. Volume 20:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; Industrial toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Consumer goods -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1179/2049396713Y.0000000053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-3525

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>Background:</bold> Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and non-cyclic pelvic pain are health concerns for factory workers in China and may be increased by occupational stress.</p> <p> <bold>Objectives:</bold> To estimate the prevalence and demographic and occupational factors associated with three types of gynecologic pain among female factory workers in Tianjin.</p> <p> <bold>Methods:</bold> The study included 651 female workers from three factories in Tianjin, China. Logistic regression models were estimated to determine associations between occupational stress and gynecologic pain.</p> <p> <bold>Results:</bold> Occupational stress including high job strain, exhaustion, and stress related to working conditions was a risk factor for gynecologic pain. High job strain and poor job security were associated with an increased risk for dysmenorrhea. Compulsory overtime and exhaustion were associated with increased non-cyclic pelvic pain. Working overtime and exhaustion were associated with increased dyspareunia.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions:</bold> As China's population of female factory workers grows, research on the reproductive health of this population is essential.</p> </abstract>