A Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Menstruation in the Shift workers and the Day Workers

한 대학병원에 근무하는 교대근무자와 일반근무자의 월경 양상에 관한 연구

Purpose : To investigate and compare the characteristics of menstruation in the shift workers and the day workers, and present guidelines for health promotion of the shift-working women. Methods : Questionnaires including general health condition and QSCC II were distributed to shift-working women and day-working women in one university hospital in Gyeonggi-do and 36 questionnaires of shift-working women and 33 of day-working women were analyzed. Results : Day workers were about 5 years older than shift workers on average. There was more irregularity of menstrual cycle and period in day-working group but it is thought to incorrect because of the age problem. There were more women who have dysmenorrhea in day-working group, but the proportion of dysmenorrhea which continues more than 72 hours -which is very suggestive of secondary dysmenorrhea- was higher in shift-working group. Average VAS of dysmenorrhea was nearly the same in two groups. The life of shift-working group was lesser satisfactory than that of day-working group. There were more sleep disturbances in the shift-working group. Sasang constitution was analyzed in both group using QSCC II, and Taeumin were more in shift-working group. Conclusion : As the number of shift-working women increases, needs for oriental medical treatments would increase because it is more natural and lesser invasive managements which women are very interested in. So it is thought to be necessary to understand health problems of shift-working women, and prepare guidelines for managements and treatments to promote the health of shift-working women.