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. 2024 Jan 16;24(1):44.
doi: 10.1186/s12905-024-02890-x.

Reproductive outcomes among female health care workers

Nazanin Izadi  1 , Omid Aminian  1 , Kiana Ghafourian  2 , AmirHossein Aghdaee  3 , Shadi Samadanian  4
Affiliations

Reproductive outcomes among female health care workers

Nazanin Izadi et al. BMC Womens Health. .

Abstract

Objective: Occupational exposures may be associated with reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. This study investigated the association between occupational exposures and reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, and the lactation period among hospital staff.

Materials and methods: Seven hundred thirty-three female healthcare workers from hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The measurement method for fertility consequences was self-report. Demographic characteristics, occupational data, medical history, and reproductive history were collected via data collection form. Finally, reproductive outcomes were evaluated in different occupational hazard categories.

Result: Chemical exposures (solvents) were a risk factor for stillbirth. Prolonged working hours were associated with spontaneous abortion and breastfeeding periods. Shift workers did not have a higher frequency of reproductive and pregnancy outcomes, but the breastfeeding period was significantly decreased in shift workers. Psychiatric disorders were associated with preterm labour, low birth weight, and stillbirth in sequence with nervousness, depression, and mood disturbance. Furthermore, depression affects the breastfeeding period. Moreover, we found a link between job titles and infertility. In addition, socioeconomic status was related to stillbirth and infertility.

Conclusion: The study revealed that chemical and ergonomic exposures have associations with some reproductive outcomes. We also conclude that shift work could adversely affect the breastfeeding period. So, implementing some organizational strategies to control adverse health effects of occupational hazards and modifying shift work and working hours for nursing mothers is recommended.

Keywords: Adverse pregnancy outcomes; Breastfeeding; Health care workers; Occupational exposure; Reproductive health; Shift work.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The frequency of reproductive outcomes (percent)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The frequency of different occupational hazards
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The frequency of mood disturbance
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