Sintomas osteomoleculares em profissionais da atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are those that affect the musculoskeletal system as well as the regions of muscles, joints, tendons and bones. The causes of the development of such disorders are multifactorial, and some working activities are at greater risk of developing them. Objective: To analyze the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms in primary health care professionals. Method: A comparative study was carried out among the population of two municipalities, through the application of a structured questionnaire about the symptoms associated with musculoskeletal diseases reported by professionals and a socioeconomic questionnaire. Results: A total of 429 healthcare professionals have participated; 85 (19.8.2%) from municipality A and 344 (80.2%) from municipality B. There was no difference in the percentage of professionals with musculoskeletal symptoms between the municipalities (p>0.05). The main pain complaints in the last 12 months were for the lumbar region (56.2%), neck/cervical (48.4%), shoulders (44.7%), back/thoracic region (35.3%) and ankles/foot (31.7%). The lowest rates of pain complaints were for elbows (10.5%) and forearms (14.6%). In the last 12 months, 203 (48.7%) professionals avoided their daily activities of working, at-home service or leisure/pastime due to musculoskeletal problems/symptoms. Conclusion: Primary Health Care professionals from the studied municipalities reported main complaints of musculoskeletal symptoms, in the last 12 months, in the lumbar region, neck/cervical, shoulders, dorsal/thoracic region and ankles/foot. The regions with the fewest complaint rates were elbows and forearms. There were no significant differences in the number of professionals with complaints of musculoskeletal symptoms between the municipalities. This study provides new knowledge by contributing with information that can guide the planning and implementation of actions to promote health and prevent musculoskeletal disorders in Primary Health Care workers.