Characterization of some sociodemographic, occupational and health variables of professionals with musculoskeletal symptoms in the outpatient unit of a university hospital

• Main Author: Mazzoni da Costa, Fernanda
• Publication Date: 2021
• Other Authors: Knopp Ribeiro, Daniele, Guimarães de Oliveira, Ingryd, Ribeiro dos Santos, Marina, Fontoura Signé, Nathalia, Fabiano da Silva Chaves, Vitor, de Souza, Maria das Dores, Costa Alexandre, Neusa Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: por
• Source: HU Revista (Online)
• Download full: https://periodicos.ufjf.br/index.php/hurevista/article/view/29472
• topic: Saúde do Trabalhador; Dor Musculoesquelética; Estresse Psicológico; Occupational Health; Musculoskeletal Pain; Psychological Stress

Introduction: Health policies and quality of life at work must be developed based on each reality. Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic, occupational and health profile of professionals with musculoskeletal symptoms in the outpatient unit of a University Hospital. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study, with professionals from a university hospital with musculoskeletal symptoms. We used questionnaires for sociodemographic and occupational characterization, international physical activity questionnaire, Nordic, numerical scale, duration of symptoms, pain disability assessment questionnaire, treatment for the reported pain, and perceived stress scale. Results: Women made up the majority of the population (66.4%), in the middle of their economically active life (mean 39.02 years±11.00), with higher education (60.8%), only one job (84%), on-site employees (68%), working hours as stipulated by labor legislation (mean of 42.30 hours±9.36), working in assistance sectors (59.2%) and who practiced physical activities (58.4%). Most reported pain duration of up to 6 weeks (50.4%), but a considerable portion reported persistent pain for more than 12 weeks (40%), with the lower back being the region of greatest occurrence (38.4%). The majority did not consult health professionals (62.4%) and did not undergo treatment (72.8%). Among those who did, most reported using prescribed medication (7.2%), Pilates (5.6%), and self-medication (4.8%). Pain intensity was similar to other studies (mean 6.05±2.77). Most reported having no impediments to perform activities (76%) and the disability caused by pain was characterized as moderate (mean 29.46±18.87). The mean of perceived stress agrees with results of national studies (19.06±4.73). Conclusion: The knowledge of this reality can subsidize the planning of policies and implementation of strategies that contribute to the promotion of workers' health and quality of life at work.