Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have poorer work ability and higher disability retirement rate at midlife: a Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study. Issue 3 (4th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kujanpää, Linda; Arffman, Riikka K; Vaaramo, Eeva; Rossi, Henna-Riikka; Laitinen, Jaana; Morin-Papunen, Laure; Tapanainen, Juha; Ala-Mursula, Leena; Piltonen, Terhi T
• Is Part Of: European journal of endocrinology. Volume 187:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 488
• Publication Date: 2022-08-04
• Subjects: Endocrinology -- Periodicals; 616.4005
• DOI: 10.1530/EJE-22-0027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0804-4643

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents with multiple comorbidities potentially affecting function. This was the first general population-based study to evaluate work ability, participation in working life, and disability retirement in middle-aged women with and without PCOS. Design: This is a cohort study. Methods: Women with PCOS ( n = 280) and women without PCOS symptoms or diagnosis ( n = 1573) were identified in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort in 1966 and were evaluated for self-rated work ability and potential confounders at age 46. Next, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for disability and unemployment days were extracted from national registers during a prospective 2-year follow-up. Lastly, we assessed hazard ratios (HRs) for disability retirement between 16 and 52 years of age from national registers. Results: The women with PCOS reported poorer ability to work at age 46, especially due to poorer health. During the 2-year follow-up period, the affected women gained on average an additional month of disability and unemployment days, corresponding to an approximately 25% higher risk for both disability (IRR (95% CI): 1.25 (1.22–1.27)) and unemployment days (IRR (95% CI): 1.26 (1.23–1.28)) in models adjusted for health and socioeconomic factors. Lastly, we found a two-fold higher cumulative risk for disability retirement by age 52 compared to non-PCOS women (HR (95% CI): 1.98 (1.40–2.80)), which remained after adjusting for confounding factors (aHR (95% CI): 1.55 (1.01–2.38)). Conclusions: PCOS is associated with lower participation in working life already in midlife. Acknowledging PCOS-related multimorbidity, concerted efforts are needed to support sustainable careers for women with PCOS.