Menstrual Distress among Female Employees of the Private Sector: A Basis for Policy Development

Menstruation significantly impacts the quality of life and productivity of women, presenting different physical, psychological, and emotional challenges known as menstrual distress. This study focuses on the level of menstrual distress among female employees in the private sector, emphasizing the need for supportive workplace policies. In addition, the study utilized a mixed-method approach. This research combined descriptive-comparative-correlational designs with thematic analysis to explore the experiences of 50 female workers from private institutions in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. A validated questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data on menstrual phases, distress levels, and their impact on productivity. On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzed to uncover common themes in participants' experiences of menstrual distress. Moreover, the study found a consistently high level of menstrual distress among participants, regardless of age, lifestyle, medical background, or frequency of OB-GYN visits. Coping mechanisms such as using hot compresses and resting were commonly reported. A significant finding was the massive support among female employees for enacting the Menstrual Leave Act (House Bill 7758), indicating a strong demand for policy intervention. This study found that factors like age, lifestyle, medical background, and OB-GYN visits do not significantly affect the level of menstrual distress experienced by female employees, which remains high during their menstrual cycles. It suggests that menstrual leave policies, such as House Bill 7758, should apply to all women. To fully grasp the scope of menstrual distress affecting female employees, it's crucial to conduct more research as this issue involves numerous factors that have a substantial effect on their health and work performance.