Women's work experiences and health in a male-dominated industry. A longitudinal study.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate within-individual changes over time in work-role quality and quality of life and the relationship of these qualities to self-reported health as experienced by women in a male-dominated industry. Forty-seven women completed a questionnaire at two different points in time. The results showed evidence of a relationship between work-role quality and quality of life and self-reported health. There was a connection between changes in environmental demands and changes in musculoskeletal symptoms and between changes in quality of life and changes in gastrointestinal symptoms, except for psychological distress. The difference in medical symptoms is hypothesized to be an effect of hormonal signals. Four strategically selected women, who indicated improved or impaired health, were interviewed about their working situations. A tentative theoretical model was set up for perceptions of health.