This study was conducted among non-pregnant females (to exclude the possible health effects of pregnancy) attending three of the maternal and child health centres in Benha. Two groups were studied, the first consisted of 98 working women in paid employment (clerical jobs) outside home, the second consisted of 86 housewives of the same comparable age and social class to represent the control group. Females of both groups were subjected to: a questionnaire inquiring about: smoking habits, drug intake and manifestations relevant to some health problems and gynecological disorders: full clinical examination-assessment of physical activity and of psychoneurotic symptoms and traits.
Laboratory investigations to diagnose diabetes mellitus and to measure serum triglycerides and cholesterol were done to subsamples of both studied groups. Our findings showed that housewives were less physically active with higher body weights and body mass index compared with working women. Smoking habit, number of cigarettes / day, duration of smoking and intake of antidepressants were statistically significantly higher in working females.The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome and depression were higher among working women (38. 78%, 21.43%, 17.35%, 50% and 29.59%, respectively) compared with housewives, (13.95%, 10.47%, 11.63%, 13.59% and 12.79%, respectively) who had lower mean systolic
and diastolic blood pressure and serum triglycerides. Working females who had diabetes were found to have statistically significantly higher fasting and postprandial blood glucose level (125.18±7.64 and 190.34±8.62 mg/L, respectively) compared with diabetic housewives (98.39±6.94 and 165.39±7.77 mg/L, respectively).Mean scoring values of anxiety, phobia, obcessional traits, somatic concomitants of anxiety, depression and hysterical traits were higher among working females compared with non working females. Of both groups, 37.76% and 24.42%, respectively had premenstrual troubles, and 65.31% and 40.70%, respectively used contraceptive measures, with statistically significant difference.
There is an expected complex of homework-health relationship that might have an impact on health of working woman. She may face a role conflict in trying to be both an employee and a housewife. Adverse health effects either physical or psychological are possible. Further investigations about homework-health triad must be carried out. Clear legislations concerning health of working women and their rights during employment are highly recommended. |
