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Women’s Health and Working Life: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Marianne Gjellestad

    (Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway)

  • Kristin Haraldstad

    (Department of Health and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway)

  • Heidi Enehaug

    (Work Research Institute, Center for Welfare and Labour Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0176 Oslo, Norway)

  • Migle Helmersen

    (Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway)

Abstract

Women’s health matters for participation in working life. The objective of this study was to explore female physiology in a work–life context and to investigate possible associations between women’s health, sickness absence and work ability. A scoping review was conducted to develop a systematic overview of the current research and to identify knowledge gaps. The search strategy was developed through a population, concept and context (PCC) model, and three areas of women’s health were identified for investigation in the context of work. A total of 5798 articles were screened by title and abstract and 274 articles were screened by full text; 130 articles were included in the review. The material included research from 19 countries; the majority of the studies used quantitative methods. The results showed an impact on the occupational setting and an association between sickness absence, work ability and all three areas of women’s health, but a holistic and overall perspective on female biology in the work context is missing. This review calls for more knowledge on health and work and possible gender differences in this regard. Women’s health and working life involve a complex connection that has the potential to develop new knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Marianne Gjellestad & Kristin Haraldstad & Heidi Enehaug & Migle Helmersen, 2023. "Women’s Health and Working Life: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1080-:d:1028362
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Katherine Sang & Jen Remnant & Thomas Calvard & Katriona Myhill, 2021. "Blood Work: Managing Menstruation, Menopause and Gynaecological Health Conditions in the Workplace," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Anja M S Ariansen & Arnstein Mykletun, 2014. "Does Postponement of First Pregnancy Increase Gender Differences in Sickness Absence? A Register Based Analysis of Norwegian Employees in 1993–2007," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-12, March.
    3. Nicolas M F Øyane & Ståle Pallesen & Bente Elisabeth Moen & Torbjörn Åkerstedt & Bjørn Bjorvatn, 2013. "Associations Between Night Work and Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Sleepiness and Fatigue in a Sample of Norwegian Nurses," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(8), pages 1-7, August.
    4. Herrmann, Mariesa A. & Rockoff, Jonah E., 2013. "Do menstrual problems explain gender gaps in absenteeism and earnings?," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 12-22.
    5. Belinda Steffan, 2021. "Managing menopause at work: The contradictory nature of identity talk," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(1), pages 195-214, January.
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    8. Mette G Backhausen & Mette Langeland Iversen & Margrethe Bordado Sköld & Thora G Thomsen & Luise Moellenberg Begtrup, 2021. "Experiences managing pregnant hospital staff members using an active management policy—A qualitative study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(2), pages 1-14, February.
    9. Sara Viotti & Gloria Guidetti & Ilaria Sottimano & Lucia Travierso & Mara Martini & Daniela Converso, 2021. "Do Menopausal Symptoms Affect the Relationship between Job Demands, Work Ability, and Exhaustion? Testing a Moderated Mediation Model in a Sample of Italian Administrative Employees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-14, September.
    10. Claire Hardy & Myra S. Hunter, 2021. "Premenstrual Symptoms and Work: Exploring Female Staff Experiences and Recommendations for Workplaces," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-16, March.
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    13. Seonad K. Madden & Claire A. Blewitt & Kiran D. K. Ahuja & Helen Skouteris & Cate M. Bailey & Andrew P. Hills & Briony Hill, 2021. "Workplace Healthy Lifestyle Determinants and Wellbeing Needs across the Preconception and Pregnancy Periods: A Qualitative Study Informed by the COM-B Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-19, April.
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