Endometriosis – The challenge for occupational life of diagnosed women: A review of quantitative studies

Abstract

The aim of the article was to summarize the results offered in the research on occupational functioning of women with endometriosis. We followed PRISMA guidelines. Database search was done in November 2017 using EBSCO. In the review were included the articles clearly referring to the relationships between endometriosis and work or any aspect of work (e.g., work productivity, work ability, absenteeism). Eight papers were included in the final review. Seven studies were cross-sectional, 1 retrospective. The majority of researchers used standardized research measures, such as Work Ability Index , Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire or Health Related Productivity Questionnaire . Only in 2 studies the reference group was considered, one of them consisted of healthy women. The results clearly indicate that endometriosis is a disease that causes major disturbance in occupational functioning of the suffering women. In the future the researchers should search for individual and organizational correlates of the improvement of occupational functioning in this group of patients. The methodology of the existing studies has been evaluated and the methodological cues for future research has been given. Med Pr 2018;69(6):663–671

Keywords

• pain
• quality of work life
• sickness absence
• work ability
• women’s health
• chronic disease