Reproductive health status of female workers in a railway system and possible influencing factors

Objective To investigate the reproductive health status of female workers in a railway system and possible influencing factors. Methods From January to June, 2016, a cross-sectional epidemiological investigation was performed to collect 2 165 female workers aged 17-55 years. A women’s health questionnaire was used to collect the data on their occupation and health, and their reproductive health status was analyzed. Results The female workers exposed to occupational hazards had significantly higher incidence rates of gynecological diseases, abnormal menstruation, and infertility than those not exposed to such hazards (χ2=32.29, 12.42, and 4.23, respectively, all P<0.05) . There were significant differences in the incidence rates of gynecological diseases, abnormal menstruation, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and pregnancy complications between the female workers with different working forms and states (χ2=17.19, 23.03, 200.65, and 21.28, respectively, all P<0.05) . There were significant differences in the incidence rates of gynecological diseases, abnormal menstruation, and pregnancy complications between the female workers with different behavioral habits (χ2=15.65, 36.23, and 25.35, respectively, all P<0.05) . The logistic regression analysis showed that exposure to occupational hazards, married state, medium-grade professional title or above, work in shifts, sitting for a long time, standing for a long time, and video operation were risk factors for gynecological diseases, and the prevalence rate of gynecological diseases increased with age. Exposure to occupational hazards, night shifts, staying up late, and sitting for a long time were risk factors for abnormal menstruation. Exposure to occupational hazards was a risk factor for infertility. Medium-grade professional title or above was a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Married state, medium-grade professional title or above, standing for a long time, and high mobility in job form and state were risk factors for pregnancy complications. Conclusion Exposure to occupational hazards, job form and state, and unhealthy behavioral habits may affect reproductive health status in female workers in the railway system. Key words: Reproductive health; Menstruation; Sterility; Adverse pregnancy outcomes; Pregnancy complications