Managing Menstruation: Moderating Role of Symptom Severity on Active Coping and Acceptance.

Although research has examined women's thoughts toward menstruation, the role passive and active coping strategies play in the acceptance of menses and getting-on with daily activities remains relatively unexplored. In total, 217 undergraduate females having normal regular monthly menstrual periods completed inventories assessing severity of menstrual symptoms, cognitive and emotional representation of health state, general and specific coping strategies, and acceptance. It was found that women having a more emotionally focused representation of menstruation (passive coping style) had a heightened belief that menstruation is debilitating and bothersome and, regardless of symptom severity, scored lower in acceptance of menstruation. Conversely, women using more active strategies to cope with menstrual symptoms were observed to be more generally resourceful and to conjunctively use more palliative coping strategies. More importantly, for women experiencing high levels of menstrual discomfort, use of active coping was associated with better acceptance and getting-on with everyday activities.

Mental health status of Ontario injured workers with permanent impairments.

OBJECTIVE: Each year, approximately 31,000 Canadian injured worker claimants are certified to have permanent impairments associated with the initial workplace incident. Permanent impairments are characterized by ongoing pain, and limitations in physical function and activity participation--all predisposing factors to mental health problems. Here we examine the post-accident mental health status of a sample of Ontario injured workers with permanent impairments. METHODS: We analyze data from a cross-sectional telephone survey of 494 injured workers. Mental health status is examined using nine dichotomous diagnostic, symptomatic and functional mental health indicators identified by survey respondents as non-present, or having pre- or post-injury onset, and the CES-D. We describe the relationship of these indicators and work injury, demographic and socio-economic factors. RESULTS: Post-injury onset mental health problems are elevated compared to pre-injury onset in seven of nine indicators. Diagnosed depression, medication abuse, inability to concentrate, and sleep problems are elevated compared to general Canadian population prevalence. Diagnosed depression is elevated compared to populations with pain and chronic health conditions. Higher education and pre-injury income are associated with lower depressive symptoms. Men and older individuals are less likely to report a diagnosis of depression. Older individuals are less likely to report concentration problems. CONCLUSION: These data paint a troubling mental health picture among injured workers with permanent impairments. Implications for return-to-work and income recovery, health service access and rehabilitation within and outside the compensation system are discussed.

Work adjustment in cardiovascular disease: job characteristics and social support.

PURPOSE: To better understand social influences on work recovery, we studied the association between work status, work adjustment (WA), job demands, and social support (employer, family, physician) for return to work in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. METHODS: Multiple cross-sectional design with questionnaire data collected from patients (72% working; age = 57 ± 10.7 years) either at program entry (n = 126) or 6 to 12 months (n = 88) of CR exposure. Work adjustment was assessed by utilizing a visual analogue scale (WA VAS). Perceived social support from the employer, family, and physician was assessed using 5-point Likert scales. Physical demands (PD) and psychological job demands, and job control, were assessed utilizing the Job Content Questionnaire. RESULTS: Working patients expressed higher levels of employer support (4.2 ± 1.2 vs 3.6 ± 1.4, P < .04) and lower PD (7.9 ± 3.4 vs 10.5 ± 4.0, P < .001) than those not working. Employer support was positively correlated with WA VAS (R = 0.34, P < .002). High PD were negatively correlated with WA VAS (R = -0.31, P < .002). Weaker relationships were observed between family support and physician support and the dependent measures. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that CR patients view their employer as a significant source of social support for return to work. Efforts to foster support from employers are an important consideration for the functional rehabilitation of these workers. The nature of the supportive relationship requires further investigation to determine the salient aspects that impact on work adjustment.