Physical Demands at Work Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between physical demands at work and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among women and their effects on quality of life (QOL) and productivity.

Methods: An online survey was conducted to collect data on the demographic characteristics, physical demands at work, and LUTS of Korean women. Occupational physical activity, sitting time, musculoskeletal risk tasks, and heavy lifting were assessed as physical demands at work. Multiple logistic regression and generalised linear model was applied to analyze the association of these factors with LUTS and LUTS-related outcomes.

Results: High level of occupational physical activity were significantly associated with LUTS, which reduced the workers' QOL and labour productivity.

Conclusion: Physical demands at work were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS, leading to reduced QOL and labour productivity.