Study Protocol of the HERLIFE Study Based on CHERRIES: Study of Health, Employment, Resilience, and the Life of Females

Abstract

Women’s health issues, including menstruation, childbirth, and menopause, significantly impact work performance and career progression, and pose physical and mental burdens on women. Despite their importance, research on how these events and conditions affect women’s quality of life and health in the workplace is limited. This study explores the relationship between living environment, health status, work factors, and the health and work performance of working women. It focuses on menstruation-associated symptoms (dysmenorrhea, PMS) and menopausal symptoms and their impact on working QOL and health. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the Internet from June 6 to 12, 2024 among working women in Japan aged 20–60. The sample came from a closed survey of panel monitors from a company commissioned to conduct the survey. Screening included gender, age, hours worked, place of residence, and type of work, with participants being women aged 20–60 and working at least 30 hours per week. Of 31,965 participants, 4,245 were excluded for reasons such as short response time, marital status inconsistencies, childcare inconsistencies, undergoing infertility treatment at age 55 or older, and incorrect responses, resulting in 27,720 participants. The survey consisted of 139 questions and was conducted on a relatively homogeneous sample across all strata. Understanding the impact of menstruation-related symptoms on labor productivity and enhancing knowledge of women’s health can lead to a better healthcare system and improved business performance. This study aimed to generate evidence to support these goals.