Projects per year
Abstract
Objectives: It has been hypothesised that vasomotor symptoms (VMS), the hallmark of menopause, may affect women's workplace performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between VMS and self-reported work ability, taking into account socio-demographic characteristics.
Study design/Main Outcome measures: A national cross-sectional survey of women, aged 40-65 years, was conducted between October 2013 and March 2014. Participants provided socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and completed the Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) and the Work Ability Index (WAI).
Results: Of 2020 women who comprised the study sample, 1274 were in paid employment and 1263 completed the WAI. The WAI score was good-excellent for 81.5% of women and poor-moderate for 18.5%. After adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, having any VMS was associated with greater likelihood of poor-moderate work ability [odds ratio (OR) = 2.45, 95% CI 1.69-3.54]. Poorer work ability was significantly and independently associated with being un-partnered, obese or overweight, smoking, being carer and having insecure housing finance, but not with age.
Conclusions: Overall, most women functioned well at work. We observed an association suggesting a relationship not only between menopausal VMS and personal wellbeing, but also between VMS and self-assessed work ability. Although 4 in 5 women functioned well at work, recognition of the association with VMS may improve wellbeing and work performance of working women at midlife.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 33-39 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Maturitas |
Volume | 87 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- Vasomotor symptoms
- Women at midlife
- Work ability
Projects
- 1 Finished
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Improving the health of Australian women at midlife
Davis, S., Bell, R., Kulkarni, J. & Panjari, M.
BUPA Foundation (Australia) Limited (trading as BUPA Health Foundation)
1/10/13 → 1/10/15
Project: Research