Impaired Work Performance Among Women With Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids

Objective: To assess the work impact of symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs). Methods: A cohort study compared 58 employed women with symptomatic UFs to 56 healthy controls. Data sources included a self-administered mail questionnaire and medical charts. At-work performance limitations and productivity loss were measured with the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate case-control group differences were tested. Results: Based on adjusted mean scores, the UF group had significantly more at-work limitations and productivity loss than controls, while absence rates were similar. The UF group's performance was impaired 18% of the time on average versus 8% for controls (P-values, 0.005-0.040). At-work limitations were explained by depression symptoms, Non-White race/ethnicity, and poorer health-related quality of life. Conclusions: Fibroids and related symptoms impose a burden on the working lives' of women, their employers, and the economy. (J Occup Environ Med. 2008;50:1149-1157)