Abstract
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.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 25, 2013
Accepted:
March 5,
2013
Received in revised form:
February 20,
2013
Received:
October 12,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
