Are health-related, lifestyle, work-related, and socio-demographic factors associated with work productivity among menopausal women? A systematic review

An increasing number of women of menopausal age, many of whom experience menopausal symptoms, are participating in the workforce. Understanding the factors that influence work productivity in this life stage can inform the development of targeted interventions. This systematic review explores which health-related, lifestyle, work-related, and socio-demographic factors are associated with work productivity among menopausal women. A systematic search was conducted for observational studies in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase up to July 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The GRADE framework for prognostic research was applied to evaluate the quality of evidence. A total of 29 studies were included. Menopausal symptoms in general, as well as psychological and vasomotor symptoms, and lower sleep quality were associated with lower at-work productivity, with moderate to high quality of evidence. Additionally, there was moderate quality of evidence that better (perceived) health was associated with higher at-work productivity. Regarding absenteeism, moderate evidence was found for an association with vasomotor symptoms. Inconclusive evidence was found for socio-demographic, work-related factors and remaining health-related and lifestyle factors in relation to both at-work productivity and absenteeism. This review highlights the association of menopausal symptoms and poor sleep quality with decreased work productivity in menopausal women. The evidence for other associations was limited due to the low quality of available evidence or a lack of studies. Further research on modifiable lifestyle and work-related factors is needed to improve the work functioning of women during menopause.