Differences in chronic musculoskeletal pain among male and female Brazilian university professorsObjective: To compare sociodemographic, clinical, pain, work, and self-efficacy aspects between male and female Brazilian federal university professors with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 974 university professors with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Data collected: an e-survey between January and May 2023. Variables: sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, pain intensity, self-efficacy in chronic pain, and work productivity loss. Statistical analyses used t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and regression models.
Results: Women reported 27% more body areas with pain and 10% higher pain intensity than men. Continuous pain medication use was 53% more frequent among women, who also engaged in 49% more rehabilitation treatments. Women scored lower in pain management self-efficacy and experienced greater productivity loss. The most common pain locations for women were the suprascapular region, while men reported lower back pain. Women used more analgesics and anticonvulsants, and men had higher rates of overweight and obesity.
Conclusions: Women experience more severe and widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain, use more medications and rehabilitation, and have lower self-efficacy and higher productivity loss compared to men.
DESCRIPTORS
Chronic Pain; Faculty; Sex Characteristics; Self Efficacy