Association between menopausal symptoms and workplace mistreatment in Japanese workers: A cross-sectional study.

Sawamoto, Naoya; Ohkubo, Naoaki; Hirashima, Keiki; Okawara, Makoto; Ishimaru, Tomohiro; Fujino, Yoshihisa; HERLIFE study group · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

Workplace mistreatment impacts worker well-being, yet its association with menopausal symptom severity remains insufficiently understood. We hypothesized that higher symptom severity is associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing workplace mistreatment. This cross-sectional study included 16,764 Japanese female workers (aged 40-60 years). Menopause symptoms were measured using the Menopause Rating Scale; mistreatment was quantified using a seven-item. Robust Poisson regression estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) for these associations and trends. Significant dose-response relationships were observed across overall MRS and all subscales (all P for trend < 0.001). Compared to the none group, adjusted PRs for mild, moderate, and severe symptoms were 1.56 (95% CI: 1.45-1.68), 2.08 (1.95-2.23), and 2.87 (2.68-3.09), respectively. The dose-response association highlights a vulnerability for symptomatic workers. Targeted organizational support will be essential to ensure workplace equity.