Work capability and musculoskeletal symptoms in workers at a public hospital

Abstract

This paper aimed to characterize the sociodemographic profile, identify musculoskeletal complaints and evaluate the work ability of a public hospital workers. This study is quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional, consisted of 31 Hospital das Clinicas' workers, from the School of Medicine, at the University of São Paulo, and the Emergency Unit of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, which were referred to the physiotherapy service at the Centre for Rehabilitation in the period from May to December 2012. Three questionnaires were administered: the Sociographic Questionnaire, developed by the researchers of this study, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, with socio-demographic intent, which aims to standardize the measurement of reported musculoskeletal symptoms, and the questionnaire Index Capacity for Work, that enables the assessment and early detection of changes in the quality of life of these workers. A total of 31 workers reviews have, on average, 46.5±11.8 years, being 27 women and 4 men. The prevalent occupations were: nursing assistant (19.3 %), auxiliary services (19.3 %) and clerks (16.13%). A number of 74.2 % did not engage in physical activity, 38.7 % have more than 20 years in service and 64.5 % are most of the time standing. The higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was related to the knees, followed by shoulders and lower back. The average Index Capacity for Work was 33.84±8.35, revealing a moderate capacity to work. The presented results indicate the need to evaluate working conditions, based on an ergonomic evaluation consisted of physical, cognitive and organizational aspects of work, as well as corrective and/or preventive strategy of musculoskeletal injuries and improvements of the capacity to work.