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MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN PRIMARY CARE PROFESSIONALS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: MIXED METHODS STUDY* * Artigo extraído da dissertação do mestrado: “ESTRESSE E DOR MUSCULOESQUELéTICA EM PROFISSIONAIS DE SAúDE DA ATENçãO PRIMáRIA à SAúDE FRENTE à PANDEMIA COVID-19: ESTUDO DE MéTODOS MISTOS.”, Universidade Regional do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Ijuí, RS, Brasil, 2022.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To analyze musculoskeletal pain in primary care health professionals and their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

A mixed-methods study carried out in southern Brazil between June 2021 and February 2022. A sample of 50 participants, using questionnaires related to pain and musculoskeletal symptoms and interviews with pre-prepared scripts. Data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics and Thematic Content Analysis.

Results:

Most of the nursing sector participants worked 40 hours a week. The most affected areas are the shoulders, upper back, and neck, ranging from moderate (42%) to severe (10%) pain. Statistically significant differences related to pain and fear of contracting COVID-19 between those with previous health problems and nurses.

Conclusion:

Given that pain can be associated with working conditions, it is essential to identify risk factors to avoid further damage to workers’ health.

KEYWORDS:
Musculoskeletal Pain; Health Personnel; COVID-19; Occupational Health; Primary Health Care.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. PHC professionals experience musculoskeletal pain related to work factors.

2. The demands of working during the pandemic have contributed to physical complaints.

3. The most frequently mentioned areas are the shoulders, upper back, and neck.

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