Gynecologic pain related to occupational stress among female factory workers in Tianjin, China.

BACKGROUND

Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and non-cyclic pelvic pain are health concerns for factory workers in China and may be increased by occupational stress.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence and demographic and occupational factors associated with three types of gynecologic pain among female factory workers in Tianjin.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

As China's population of female factory workers grows, research on the reproductive health of this population is essential.