Thiago Bezerra Wanderley E Lima1, Jéssica Rodrigues Albuquerque2, Marina Gomes Fagundes2, Carina Carvalho Correia Coutinho2. 1. Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - Natal (RN), Brazil. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Physical Therapy Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Brazil. 2. Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - João Pessoa (PB), Brazil. Universidade Federal da Paraíba Physical Therapy Universidade Federal da Paraíba Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders comprise muscle, tendon, synovial, nerve, fascial and ligament injuries alone or combined, with a proven or not relationship with work. They manifest as pain, paresthesia, feeling of heaviness and fatigue, and may cause temporary or permanent incapacity for work. OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life of administrative technicians at a public institution who used computers at work for 5 years. METHODS: The sample comprised 70 administrative technicians aged 20 to 69 who used computers at work for 5 years. We analyzed the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints by means of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and quality of life with SF-36. Interviews were performed in the workplace. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 and the significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: SF-36 domain scores were considered satisfactory for all the participants. Prevalence of pain in the past 7 days (70%) and past 12 months (77.1%) was high. The lower back was the body site most frequently involved (38.6%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pain in several body sites was high among the analyzed administrative technicians. Pain might interfere with their work and lead to sick leave spells. Clinical assessments and interventions are needed to minimize this problem.
BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders comprise muscle, tendon, synovial, nerve, fascial and ligament injuries alone or combined, with a proven or not relationship with work. They manifest as pain, paresthesia, feeling of heaviness and fatigue, and may cause temporary or permanent incapacity for work. OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life of administrative technicians at a public institution who used computers at work for 5 years. METHODS: The sample comprised 70 administrative technicians aged 20 to 69 who used computers at work for 5 years. We analyzed the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints by means of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and quality of life with SF-36. Interviews were performed in the workplace. The data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 and the significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: SF-36 domain scores were considered satisfactory for all the participants. Prevalence of pain in the past 7 days (70%) and past 12 months (77.1%) was high. The lower back was the body site most frequently involved (38.6%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pain in several body sites was high among the analyzed administrative technicians. Pain might interfere with their work and lead to sick leave spells. Clinical assessments and interventions are needed to minimize this problem.
Entities:
Keywords:
cumulative trauma disorders; musculoskeletal pain; occupational health