Table 2 Characterizing statements of the five groups: the statements ranked at the most positive ends (+3, +4)

 A: Deficiency of professional function

I cannot concentrate and frequently am distracted during work.(+4)

I cannot take good care of my patients.(+3)

I may neglect some details during my work.(+3)

I cannot concentrate and frequently am distracted during work.(+3)

I may neglect some details during my work.(+4)

B: Menstrual symptoms burden

Due to menstrual symptoms, I feel easily tired.(+3)

Workload, stress, and prolonged standing or walking, can worsen my menstrual symptoms.(+3)

Due to menstrual symptoms, my efficiency during work worsened.(+4)

Due to menstrual symptoms, I feel easily tired.(+3)

Due to menstrual symptoms, I have become less responsive.(+4)

Workload, stress, and prolonged standing or walking, can worsen my menstrual symptoms.(+4)

Due to menstrual symptoms, my efficiency during work worsened.(+3)

Due to menstrual symptoms, I feel easily tired.(+4)

Workload, stress, and prolonged standing or walking, can worsen my menstrual symptoms.(+3)

Due to menstrual symptoms, I feel easily tired.(+4)

Workload, stress, and prolonged standing or walking, can worsen my menstrual symptoms.(+4)

Due to menstrual symptoms, I have no patience for anything.(+3)

Due to menstrual symptoms, I have become less responsive.(+3)

C: Interfering collaboration with colleagues

My unit is short on manpower, there is no way I can take a menstrual leave.(+4)

I owe my colleague a favor for replacing/assisting me.(+4)

I worry my colleagues’ workload may increase if I take leave.(+3)

Colleagues did not take leave due to menstrual symptoms, so I will not either.(+3)

I worry my colleagues’ workload may increase if I take leave.(+3)

D: Self-management coping

I have pain-killers on hand in case of need.(+4)

I want to lie in bed to reducing the discomfort of menstrual symptoms.(+3)

I want to lie in bed to reducing the discomfort of menstrual symptoms.(+4)

I use hot packs or special postures to lessen menstrual symptoms.(+3)

I have pain-killers on hand in case of need.(+4)

I will take pain-killers beforehand so I can maintain my efficiency in work.(+3)

I finish my work as soon as possible so as to back to nursing station for rest.(+3)

I use hot packs or special postures to lessen menstrual symptoms.(+4)

I have pain-killers on hand in case of need.(+4)

I took pain-killers to control my menstrual symptoms.(+3)

I will take pain-killers beforehand so I can maintain my efficiency in work.(+3)

E: Colleague support

My colleagues are empathic and can accept me.(+3)