Effect of "perceived job stress" on menstrual cycle pattern among nurses in Ismailia city

Abstract EN

The aim of this survey is to assess the impact of self-perceived job stress on menstrual patterns (length - regularity - period duration) among nurses in hospitals in Ismailia.

A self administered questionnaire was distributed among those eligible nurses, the questionnaire included items about socio-demographic characteristics, occupational data, gynecologic / menstrual profile, and the level of stress at work (as perceived by the nurses).

A total of 746 questionnaires were eligible for the final data analysis, among whom, 72.3% were ascertained as having a self-perceived high level of job stress.

Self-perceived high job stress was significantly associated with irregular menstrual cycles [OR 4.8, 95% CI: 3.3-7.1] and longer menstrual bleeding periods (more than 7 days) [OR : 2.4, 95% CI : 1.7-3.6], but was not significantly related to long or short menstrual cycles.

Also being single, working on irregular work shift, being employed for less than 5 yr was statistically associated with having a longer and irregular menstrual cycle.

The present study suggests that nurses' self-perceived job stress may be associated with certain aspects of menstrual dysfunction.

Further investigations with prospective follow-up studies, and hormonal measurements are recommended to provide additional insight into the path physiological mechanisms of the present findings.